The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-26
hand almost with the air of an old acquaint-

mistake the other evening seems to dawn
upon him, as, with the slightest possible ac-
knowledgment of the Introduction, 1 turn to
greet the next conner.
Sir Anthony Nigel announces the foot
man, and, with indefnable feeling of
mingled pleasure and embarra SSment, l turn
with relief from the other to him.
This one gives word or sign that we
nave ever met before, but passes on into the
room with a courtly yet distant bow.
1eeI just trif1e nonplusSed, perhaps even
mortified
Is it that he really does not recognize me,
or thinks that I shall prefer to forget OUR
HrSt meeting altogether?
see Sir Harry watch department to-
wards one another with keen, scrutinizing
eyes.
He smiles slightly at what he sees, and
nods thoughtfully, if he has satisfied him
sell at last upon some dubious point.
Ihere! exclaims Aunt Janette. with
sigh of relief, as the clock strikes eleven;
we nsednt stand here any longer, Barbara;
all the important guests have arrived; if any
others come, they must find me. Let us go
and enjoy ourselves"
She moves forward towards the end of the
room, where few people grouped to-
gether-the duchess, Colonel Treherne, Lady
Curton and several other choice friends.
essay to follow her, but what with the
crush and one thing and another, soon find
myself left behind, and, to my great annoy
ance, discover that 1 face to face with
my bete noire, Sir Harry who is not slow to
avail himself of the opportunity of further
improving his acquaintance with me.
Let me take you out Of the crush for a
WHILE" he observes presently, drawing my
hand through his arm, and trying to make
headway towards an opening. You must
have an ice fruit, and this room is
getting inSufferabe.''
1t is quite true, and reluctant as I am to
have him for my escort, I feel that really
am getting faint.
We fight our way to the dining room, and
the cooler atmosphere, coupled with some
light refreshment, certainly tends to restore
me to my normal condition.
Sir Harry shows anxiety to return to the
drawing room, even after the pretext of re-
freShment is over.
He drinks several glasses of champagne
and is inclined to rdicule my refusal to have
any, and l begin to wonder if we are to sit
here all night,
If there were anything Objectionable in his
manner OF speech now, of course I could
simply get up and leave him; but I have not
that excuse, for, although he contrives to
convey in every word and tone that he ad-
mires me and desires my society, yet he is
careful to avoid giving actual offenSe.
My relief comes in an unexpected manner.
. I have noticed Sir Anthony Nigel pass in
and out of the supper room upon several oc-
- caSions, sometimes bringing in lady for an
ice, sometimes alone. $&
I do not see him glance in my direction.
therefore l am greatly surprised when he
comes up to me after while, and remarks
in languid, Indifferent, tone
Il think heard Mrs. Dashwood inquire for
Miss Courtseine a short time back; in fact, I
promised to find you, and take you to her
if"
'I am taking care of Miss Courtseine," puts
in Sir Harry with a scowl at the Interrupt
tion; 'and will conduct her to her aunt in
the course of few minutes"
meet Sir Anthony's eyes for a moment
and they almost sem to question me.
L answer by springing to my feet and plac-
ing my hand upon his arm.
''Oh, do take me to Aunt Janettei" I cry
eagerly; 81, too, want to see her. Sir Harry
you need not hurry, Sir Anthony will take
me to her, and so glad am to escape from
my late companion, that positively tug my
present escorts arm in my anxiety to get
away
II am so glad she remembered me at last"
I say, with sigh of relief as we pass out of
earshot; "and 1 am much obliged to you for
fetching me; was tired of sitting there
1 thought she had forgotten me altogether"
why do you allow yourself to be VIC
timized? Why didn't you ask Sir Harry
Grasmore to take you back to the drawing
room?"
''Oh, I did, scores of times!" I reply, rue
fully; "or tried to- but he either wouldn't
or couldn't, understand. He talked so fast
about everything, he complained of the heat
of the room, and reminded me how faint it
had made earlier in the evening
Then, besides, I know no one here r.
very shamefacedly-"th is, I have never
been at big party like this before. I feel so
so shy and embarrassed in the presence of
so many strangers. I may get used to So
ciety in time, but'-rather vehemently-"I
shall never like ii"
My aunt is surrounded by circle of friends
when we return to her presence but she
graciously beckons us to seat ourselves in her
vicinity, which we-or rather lam glad
enough to do.
Ere long 1 find myself also the center of
a group, composed mostly of men of all ages
sizes and appearances.
They vie with one another to pay me
honor. they listen with rapt attention to
r ,1ff