The daily morning Alaskan., 1900-05-05
THE COSTUME BALL.


 and a group of students sat round tl.e model stand chatting. .'And Emile really isn't going to the dancer" inquired one of. the girls .That isn't very nplimentary to the professor. What do you suppose is her reasons'
 "Oh, don't believe she has any req son." interrupted another. ''I think che just wants to be odd. She's as ploud as a peacock and has no reason to be. either, for-l understand she has hardly money enough to pay for. her ed,Ica- tion. "
 'How dreadful'' exclaimed the daughter of merchant prince. "Eut, you know. poor people are always proud. Did she say why she wasn't go- ing, Elainef"
 ''No. she didn't. When asked CT what she intended to wear. she simr ly answered I'm not goingr I'm su @ none of us cares whether she goes or net, do we, girlsf"
 ''Yes. do for one," replied Ger man girl with honest blue eyes and haxen braids "I think it is very wrong of you all to speak of Emile in this way What if she is poorf That's no disgrace, and the professor doesn't seem to think so either. And we all know she will be great artist some day. And as for looks there's not one of us can compare with her. Yes, do hope Il go to the ball. and shall not en. joy it if she doesn't"
 This from their favorite and the wealthiest girl in the class made the others ashamed of their remarks as just then Emile returned and quietly re. stunned her work.
 Beautiful she certainly was, with 8 refined face of striking paleness, dark syes and soft brown hair The function spoken of was costume ball to be giv- en by the professor on New Years eve to all past and present students.
 He was very popular in society, being rich, young and good looking, but he treated the students with polite cour tesy and nothing more-that is. all but Emile, to whom he paid marked at- tention, and this undoubtedly was the cause of the jealousy.
 "Well, Miss Emile, said the pro. lessor, after the others had gone, Emile remaining to finish a drawing, "may. I ask what you are to represent at the ball?"
 "I'm not going, professor, replied she. confusedly tying the strings of her portfolio. ''I thank you for the invita- tion. but I'm afraid cannot be there. :"
 "Not going?" echoed he, in astouish- ment "Why not f'' a
 "I would rather not tell you my req son." she answered, becoming embar- rassed under his questioning glance. "Don't think me ungrateful I'd really like to go, but can't
 Emile, hid he. gently, taking her hand in his, "f thought you considered me friend of yours -
 "I do, professor, she replied. the <. tears filling her eyes. "You are the only friend have, and to prove how value your kindness I'll tell you why can not go to the dance. You know of course that I was left an orphan two years ago, three months after coming to this city, but you do not know that am obliged to teach four evenings a week in a suburban school to support myself. My salary is not very great, but have managed to save enough to pay my tuition, hoping some day to earn my living at painting. But, you see, '" she continued, smiling at the professor s serious face, ''I haven't much to spend on finery, and of course couldn go to the ball in this, ? and she held out the skirt of her plain black dress.
 The professor was silent a moment.
 Emile, asked he earnestly, "if you knew it would cause me intense disappointment. would you stay away from the ball?'
 "Why, not willingly, of course, pro- lessor. But why should it matter if don't goi All the other girls will be there"
 "I don't care who is there if you re not. Now. will you go to please mel?
 'But how can go without dressf 2 am serious, professor. really cannot afford an ordinary gown. much less a fancy costume.
 ''Say you'll go, and I'll attend to that. Luckily it is a costume ball, or l couldn't manage it. Now, listen, Emi. lie. I'll lend you Greek robe of white crape that bought abroad when stu, dent, and you can go as Mercia in The Sign of the Cross Now. what do you sayf"
 "What can say but that if it will give you any pleasure shall certainly go and wear it.
 .'Good Now, put on your gloves, and I'll get the dress at once.
 It was New Years eve, and the bril-, liantly lighted studio was thronged with motley gathering, all masked and all curious to identify the girl in the Greek robe and a Roman patrician. in white tunic and toga. who was her constant attendant
 The signal being given, one of the critics announced it to be the decision of the committee that the prizes be awarded to the lady and gentleman inn pe-..cnatins Mercia and Marcus. from "The Sign of the Cross, and as Emile stepped forward he placed a gold medal ahaut her neck. Then the noble Roman bent his handsome head to receive the crown and laurel. after which he turned to his companion, and, removing her mask. disclosed to the astonished gath ering the lovely features of the ''pov- erty stricken" Emile.
 "And now, my friends. said tho ynofpasoF for if was none other than he, "I ask you to congratulate me not for receiving the laurel crown, but for having wOD the heart and hand of