The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1900-07-20
SHY, Mr. Browning, you at
WNW anything 50 gay as char
81 - ftv ba1Isu

WNW anything so gay as char
10 ity ballr
"And you, my dear Miss Erickson, at
anything 50 dlsmaly Mr.. Browning re-
piled.
The girl laughed and shook out the
folds of her misty pink dancing skirt,
with Its rullles and lace.
81 have just one dance left, schot-
tische. Shall 1t be for your" he said.
IF you will so honor me. But as |
cant dance anything but the waltz |
nm going to ask you to come with me
to that little alcOve retreat over there,
where we can talk and watch the fig
ares"
For answer Mildred Erickson laid her
gloved fingers on his arm and raised her
brown eyes to his face as they walked
away from the group Of dancers now
forming for the schottlsche.
The little alcove retreat was at one
end of the long ballroom. and was
massed with cut flowers and ferns. Mil
dred threw her huge bouquet of brides
maids roses, her fan and lace handker-
chief down beside her and took up two
thirds of the divan with her full skirts
Browning sank back luxuriously In the
sllken cushions at her side.
Everyone seems to be here tonight"
she said.
Eyes. Even l."
"There is Maud Jones. now, in that
pale blue chiffon. DO you know she is
10 be married next week to Jack Mar
shall?'
"She2 This is only her second season,
isn't III"
Second! No, only her first" Mildred
said with a laugh and shrug Of her
plump white shoulders.
Her first? You are more sensible.
Miss Erickson. why, this is your tenth
season. Don't you remember | was at
your coming out teaY'
Yes, and you We're old themes; Just
my age now" She picked up her bou-
quiet and buried her face in the fresh
pink blossoms.
And you were in white and carried
pink roses. just like those, Mildred"
But not so large IA bunch" And she
began pulling the flowers out and tear
ing off the petals. while Browning
watched her color come and go.
And | sent them"
"And you sent them"
Browning shifted his position slightly.
II wonder what Marshall wants to
marry that little Miss Jones for?" he
sald.
LAS she is not an heIress, he probably
thinks he loves her. hope it does not
worry you, Mr.. Browning"
"Mey Not at all. | suppose you've
often wondered why I've never mar
ried''
Mldreds cheeks assumed the hue OF
her roses.
81? Not at all Rather should won
der IL you did get married. am so used
TO you single. you know"
And l should wonder at It. too.
like women. They are beautiful crea
lures. to be admired. adored and ideal
tied. but kept at distance II man
wants to retain his peace Of mind
Don't you think so, Miss Erlcksony"
Can Mr. Browning be wrong2'
THANK you. Now. suppose had
married when was, say, %. Ten year,
ago. III have wife who never thought
OF me or my home, but always Of hel
own personality and social engage
ments. My home would be no home a
all. because l should expect things OF
her which she would never do
Miss Erickson was unconsciously
pulling the flowers to pieces and watch
ing Mr.. Browning with studied cour
tesy.
Browning continued: As It Is,
have my bachelor fiat, in which l an
king. Ny servants, whom no one in
terferes with. l go and come as
please, to the club. 70 the opera, I
dinners, or to Europe. Ny horses an
carriages are mine, and no one eve
complains OF them. Ny house is soil
tude itself. unless wish to make
noisy. Don't you think I am a ser
sible man|
1T really had never occurred 70 N,
Mr. Browning" Mildred said. laughin
slightly.