Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1900-06-21

lined at either side by a dense, discrim-
mating crowd, who exchanged audible
and critical remarks anent the arriving
company. Miss Jane and Mrs. Braba-
zon swept their young people on the
stairs before them into the ladies' wait
ing room, where great pulling out or
skirts and touZling of fringes and rear
ranging of flowers was going on. The
new arrivals were carefully looked over
by those already On the spot. who were
these new girlsY' was whispered. How
ever, they had some acquaintance, who
welcomed them cordially, helping them to
take off their wraps, and enVied Esme
her first ball.
Indeed, you need not envy me-" re-
turned that young lady, emphatically; IF
it were my fifth or sixth, should be far
more easy in my mind. Feel me!' hold
ing 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
ruffle here, Strengthening a fold there,
and rearranging her diamond stars as de-
liberately as if she were in her own apart
ment, and not keeping an aristocratc
old lady, with naughty nose and very
white hair, awaiting her good pleasure.
This old dame waited for some five min
utes with ill-concealed impatience, 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!
/ 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 brick, what do you
mean?" trembling violently all over.
'FI mean that it 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.
Clam Mrs. Brabazon of Barons-
ford" replied that miserable woman;
you are making some mistake"
''None whateverr' very decidedly;
whoever you are now, you were and are
Jupp; you can't deny it; and you know
me; you have brushed my hair and but
toned my boots many and many time!
1 am Lady Augusta SharpshoOter, and
you are ny sister So
''Hush, Lady Augustaw implored the
other; "for mercy sake, hush! You are
quite right. | have become what you see
the widow of gentleman of fortune.
entreat you to keep my secret" pleaded
Mrs. Brabazor, brought to her knees for
once in her life, and, in truth, most alb
ject spectacle. At this moment Gussie
and Esme came forward, accompanied
by Miss Jane, and declared that they
were quite ready now, if 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 yeri-
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 aloof
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
gased timidly about her, she felt abso-
lutely da2zled; the immense hall was
filled 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
t,o1s L. I,o
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 that
this dress was an adornment, and that
even Esme was more beautiful in this
silyery gauze garment, with pearls on
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.
Il have kept two dances for you," said
she, holding out her hand with a smile.
what! Only two?" ungratefully.
Eyes, lancers and waltz. Aunt Jane"
lowering her voice, made me promise
not TO dance more than twice with any
one"
NOJ even Will ulG' 0ApIeSSIfS19s
mot even with you" Here Esme's
partner made a bow and retired grace
fully. Evidently" he said to himself,
''the dark fellow was the man."
81 suppose your card is fullY'
Eyes, I can't believe it" smiling; "for
I don't know anyone in the room. Isn't
it funny?"
Excessively funny; most unaccounta-
ble," replied Miles, with a smile CULVER
ing under his mustache.
but who is your friend opposite? the
man with the shiny face, who is nodding
at you Like a mandarin
"Oh, look away, look away! he is
horror l met at the Toppingtons' Christ
mas party"
'Esme,' whispered her sister, breath
lessly, over her shoulder, there's little
Madden, and he is coming over; he has
caught your eye; mind you mount your
very highest horse"
''Now for it, said Miles, as a little man
with a red face and the tallest of col
lars, and an air of being on admirable
terms with himself, advanced with a kind
of grin.
$50 charmed to see you, Miss Braba-
zon; this is indeed treat. Hope you
have kept a couple Of dances for me?'
''No, have not" very stiffly returned
the young lady, ostentatiously avoiding
the proffered hand.