Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-09-12
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Captain Braba3onY Il
BY B. N. CROKER
T.FiIitary.Romance.of.Sou of. 4frica
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oy those already on the spot were
:hese new girlsr' was whispered. How
'ver. they had some acquaintances, who
welcomed them cordially. helping them to
axe of their wraps. and envied Esme
her first ball.
Indeed, you need not envy me-" re-
nrned that young lady, emphatically; "if
were my fifth or sixth, should be far
more easy in my mind. Feel mev hold
ng out her hand; ''I'm quite cold and I'm
shaking all over"
While this conversation was going on
Mrs. Brabazon had arrogated to herself
an entire toilet table. and was pulling out
ruffie here. Strengthening a fold there,
and rearranging her diamond stars as de-
iberately as If she were in her own apart
ment. and not keeping an aristocratic
old lady, with a naughty nose and very
white hair, awaiting her good pleasure.
This old dame waited for some FIVE min
utes with W-concealed impatence. and
as she waited she had ample time to
study the lady who was figuring before
the glass with such aggravating tardi-
ness. Suddenly she started, looked scru-
tinizingly into Mrs. Brabazon's face and
said. in an awe-struck tone, why, Jupp!
l declare it is Jupp! How do you come
here?' measuring her and her velvet
gown, lace, diamonds and all, from head
to foot.
Madam" exclaimed the other. with a
face the color Of a brick, what do you
meanT trembling violently all over.
Il mean that 1t is a pretty thing that
l should have to stand and wait while my
, sisters maid arranges herself at the look
ing glass" returned the other, in hard,
uncompromising tone, and with an mex
orable eye.
"I-I-am Mrs. Brabazon OF Barons-
ford" replied that miserable woman:
you are making some mistake"
| None whateverv' very decidedly !;
t"whoever you are now, you were and are
Jupp; you can't deny il; and you know
me; you have brushed my hair and but
toned my boots many and many a time!
l am Lady Augusta Sharpshooter. and
, you are my sister's-"
Hush, Lady Augusta" implored the
other; "fOr mercy sake, hush! You are
quite right. l have become what you see
the widow Of a gentleman of fortune. l
entreat you to keep my secret" pleaded
Mrs. Brabazon, brought to her knees for
once in her life, and, in truth, a most alb
| ject spectacle. At this moment Gussie
and Esme came forward, accompanied
by Miss Jane, and declared that they
were quite ready now, II she was" and,
with an extraordinary effort to regain her
composure, and one beseeching glance at
her austere old acquaintance, Mrs. Brab-
azon was carried away. No words could
paint her feelings; she felt that a veri-
| table sword of Damocles was hanging
over her head. She had no spirit to
seek out and attach herself to the great
ones of the land. She SAT alone and aloud
for fully half the evening, reviling fate
for having sent Lady Augusta across her
path, and asking herself what the world
would say when they were acquainted
with her former career.
As Esme stood under the gallery and
gazed timidly about her. she felt abso-
lutely dazzled; the immense hall was
filed by a gay crowd, who were walking
standing, sitting after the second dance
Miles had appeared on the scene, full OF
apologies for his tardy arrival the sole
fault Of the train, which was late. He
could hardly believe his eyes when he
beheld Esme floating around with such
grace, looking even more lovely than the
image he had fondly carried away in his
mind. Certainly there was no doubt tina,
this dress was an adornmenr, and that
even Esme was more beautiful in this
silvery gauze garment, with pearls OF
her neck, flowers In her hands, excite
ment in her eyes, than in her ordinary
| common white gown, even when re-en
forced by the crimson parasOl.
II have kept two dances for you," SAID
she, holding out her hand with smile
what! Only two?" ungratefully.
Eyes, lancers and waltz. Aunt Jane.
lowering her voice, made me promis,
not TO dance more than twice with any
sne."
Not even with me?" expressively.
Not even with you" Here Esme'.
cartner made a bow and retired grace
folly. Evidently" he said to himself
the dark fellow was the man"
il suppose yonr card Is fully
"Yes, l can't believe it." smiling; "fol
4 don't know anyone in the room. ISM
it funnyT'
: Excessively funny; most unaccounta
, ble," replied Miles, with a smile Quiver
, ing under his mustache.
But who is your friend oppositeY tn,
man with the shiny face, who is noddini
: at you like a mandarin"
, "Oh, look away, look awayl he is
horror l met at the Toppingtons' Christ
, mas party"
"Esme," whispered her sister, breath
t llessly, over her shoulder, there's littl
Madden, and he is coming over; he ha
caught your eye; mind you mount you
very highest horse"
Now for it," said Miles. as little ma
with a red face and the tallest of col
lars, and an air of being on admirabl
terms with himself, advanced with a kin
of grin.
, $50 charmed to see you. Miss Brab
, zon; this is indeed a treat. Hope yO
have kept a couple of dances for meT
mo, l have not" very stifiiy returne
the young lady, ostentatiously av"idin
the proffered hand
D "Ah! but you're gong to da-ance thi
with me, are you not? or the Eeyt? l.
y get you lots Of partners. Don: you rec
ollect me?" in a tone slightly tinged Svit
amazement. I'VE had the pleasure g
meeting at Mrs Tops"
:, Il do not remember the pleasure" n
J turned Esme, with very emphatic sign
!, ficance, while Miles and Gussie exchani
ed glances of the keenest delight.
But even this snub had but little effet
on Mr.. Madden. He rose to the su
face with cork-like buoyancy. and boldl
D demanded at least one dance, and his pc
sistent entreaties were only cut short b
3 Miles leading his partner away to taE
+ their places in one Of the rapidly forn
e ing sets of lancers.
81 did not thing you had it in you
snub anyone but me. Poor beggar. yo
9 were awfully rough on him." said Mile
{ as they came to anchor.
Il Rough! You don't know him!' '
ciously. AT the Toppingtons' party |
e Vas Quite-auite-"