The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-03-28
At The Charity Ball.

why. Mr.. Browning at anything so
gay as a charity ball?"
And you, Miss Erickson. at anything
so dismal?" Browning replied.
The girl laughed and shook out the
folds of her misty pink dancing skirt
with it's ruffies and lace.
Il have just one dance left, a schot
tische. Shall II be for your she said.
If you Will so honor me. But as 7
can't dance anything but the waltz. /
am going to ask you to come with me
to that little alcove retreat over there
where we can talk and watch the fig
ures."
For answer Mildred Erickson laid her
gloved fingers on his arm and raised her
brown eyes 10 his face, as they walked
away from the group OF dancers now
forming for the schottiche.
The little alcove retreat, was al one
end OF the long ball room and was an
IDEAL SPOT to sit out a dance Mildred
threw her huge bouquet of bridesmaid
roses down best4e her and took nm
o-thirds OF the divan with her full
skirts. Browning sank back luxuriously
IN the silken cushions az her side.
everyone seems to be here tonight
sha said.
Yes even T."
There is Maude Jones. now. In that
pale blue chiffon. Did YOU know she ia
TO be married next week to Jack Mar
isn't it?"
Second! No. only her first" Mildred
said with laugh and shrug of her
plump white shoulders.
Her hrsty You are more sensible,
Miss Erickson. Why. this is your tenth
season. Don't you remember / was at
your coming out tea?''
Yes. and you were old then-2s. inst
my age. now She picked up her bou-
quet and buried her face i'm the fresh
pink blossoms
And you were in white and carried
pink roses, just like those, Mildred"
But not so large a. bunch" and she
began pulling the Movers out and tear
ing of The petals. while Browning
watched her color come and go.
And L sent them"
And you sent them"
Browning shifted his position slight
ly.
II wonder what Marshall wants 10
marry that little Miss Jones for?" he
said.
AS she is not an heiress he proba-
bly, thinks owes her I hope IL does
not worry you, Mr.. Browning"
Me? Not at all. i supp<se you have
often wondered wig I've never mar
ried."
Mildred's cheeks assumed the hue of
her roses.
II? Not at all. Rather, / should won
der if you did get married. / am SO
used TO you single. YOU know"
And l should wonder at IL too. I
like women. They are beautiful Great
urer. to be admired, adored and ideal
lied, but kept at a distance II a man
wants 60 retain mis- peace OF mind
Don't You think so, Miss Erickson"
Can Mr.. Browning be wrong"
Thank yDi Now, suppose I had
married when 7 was. say. rs Ten years
ago. I'd have b. wife who never thought
own personality and her social engage
ments. My home would be no home al
all. because should expect things OF
her which she would never do"
Miss Erickson was unconsciously
pulling the flowers TO pieces and watch
ins Mr.. Browning with studied court
osy
Browning continued: AS Il IS. ri
have my bachelor hat. In which I am
king My servants, whom no one ever
iniarferes WITT, 1 go and come when I
please. tO the club. 10 tho opera 10
or 20 EUROPE. My horses and |
carriages are mine. and no one ever
complains OF them. My house II soli- |
tude itself unless I wish to make Il I
noisy. Don't you think | am a sensible |
man?"
1T really had never occurred 90 me |
Mr.. Browning" Mildred said. laughing l
slightly
lowed my example and remained sim
gle"
But NOT alone. There is mamma and |
papa ana Joe and ths g1fls. NJ. Brown.