The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-05-11

rested on 4 man who stood quietly IN
one corner of the vast ball room. speak
inc to no one, but gravely looking on
as at a pageant.
Who was he? Miss Northrup did
not know that splendid figure, that
calm, strong face, those keen, brilliant,
dark eyes He was an absolute stran-
ger. A gentleman undeniably, ire
proachably dressed and carrying him
self with ease and dignity.
He was such a contrast as he stood
there, serene and self contained, to
many of the flushed and jabbering
young men scurrying in and out the
supper room, that Miss Northrup was
enchanted She admired this big,
strong limbed fellow, the resolute, clean
cut face. She desired to hear him
speak.
At that momcn', as all malign influ-
cnccs would have it. Mr.. B ,bhy Dyer
sauntered past the Turkish corner
where Miss Nortllrup had snugly en-
sconccd herself
Kitty beckoned impaticntly with her
fan. Bobby" she said, ''come here.
Tell me, who is that man? don't
seem to know his face, though should.
He's the only decent looking man in
this ROOM"
Bobby glared, first at Miss North
rup, then at the man indicated. And
slowly CLEAN Of unholy joy over
spread his round, seraphic face.
"Why," he drawled, ais it possible
yon don't knw George Dalton? Awful
nice chap. Old college chum Of mine.
He's been away for some time, and just
got back. Shall | introduce him."
by all means, said Kitty.
| Bobby had an insane desire to yell,
but heroicalIy restraining this impulse,
he crossed the room to the stranger,
and, touching him on the shoulder,
said, How are you, old MANI
The stranger turned and surveyed
him leisurely for 4 moment.
| "Oh,' said the unabashcd Bobby, IL
see you don't recall me. I'm Dyer,
you know. was one of Colonel Rem
salaer's party that night at the prize
| fght-you remember"
ooh, yes, perfectly now" was the
courteous reply. Eyes, I'm glad to
see you again, Mr.. Dyer"
"And so am I, deuccd glad said
Bobby, "and | want your help in lit
tie matter. Just step this way"
The stranger, looking a bit puzzled,
followed his guide across the great
room to Kitty Northrups remote seat.
"On your life" muttered Bobby, as
they approached the girl. "don't dis
pute a word say. It's wager. I'll
explain later" and then aloud, Miss
Northrup, my old friend and classmate,
Mr.. Dalton
The stranger started, shot a piercing,
fiery look at Bobby, and then bowed
low to the beautiful girl before him.
Kitty Northrup! So this was the
famous belle of whom he had read col
umns of twaddle in the newspapers.
| And what on earth did she want with
him? And what did young Dyer mean
by Introducing him in that fashion?
Bobby had fled. SO Mr. Dalton
stood perplexcd but imperturbable, his
soft, dark, brilliant eyes fastened on
the pretty, piquant face, turned toward
him with a rare sweet smile.
"Mr. Dalton, saw you looking hot-
ribly bored | thought we might rs well
be bored together. Won't you sit
DOWN."
She swisEled her silllen skirts aside,
maxim. room for him on the dvan.
Dalt on hesitated TO tell the truth,
he was frightfully embarrassed, What
it all meant was beyond his comprc-
hension. That this stately belle should
condescend to him was past lief.
However, Dalton was Il man, and his
usually cool head was Il trihe turned.
If this lady wished to talk to him, why
should he hesitate?
Your friend says you have been out
of town for some tlme," Kitty began
"Ycs, Miss Northrup, | have just
returned from London" replied Dalton,
his great eyes opening little wider as
he thought of Bobby Dyer as his friend
That is, of course, the reason have
not Glanced to see you before" went
on the belle.
"Possibly, Miss Northrup," in a mat
ter-oftact tone.
Kitty, too, was puzzled. Though
the wonderful eyes OF this handsome
man plainly exhibited admiration of
her exquisite self, he paid her no CON-
pliments, an absolutely unhcar'l-ot and
inexplicable thing. She peepcd at him
over the lace of her fan.
DO you dance" she asked, with Il
challenge IN her voice
Dalton looked her directly in the
eyes.
Not in here, Miss Northr,lp.' he
said.
Kitty was piqued Who was this
impassive person? Why had he the
impertinence to own such eyes? The
audacious beauty determined to rouse
him if possible.