Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1901-11-04
c : Stcryette
WHY THE M. p. NEVER DANCE.
By Roger st. John.

1t was a WoliknOWn IdCC Ill OH1Cldl
circles that the M. P. was Unfortunately
fond of balls, although he danced with
the chaperons.
He was 100 Old and too stout to
dance he said jovially.
AS he was not stout and not DID, in
spite of his gray hair, this answer was
unsatisfactory.
At the beginning of the winter sea-
son Mrs. Boniface gave ball to the
M. Pa surprise ball.
One young lady was a stranger to
all. except the cousin with whom she
had come. Her pale-green gown
would have made her noticeable, even
had her beauty not in itself attracted
immediate attention. She was tall
and stately, to-
ct will be my first glimpse of real
M. p" she was confiding to her
chaperon. 81 have seen Rajah or
two, and an Emperor, but not an M.
P"
Frances danced with a gladness and
interest which no brilliant ball in
foreign countries had aroused in her.
The officer was dazzled by her.
He led her out of the ballroom, and
they descended a few steps of the
curve Of the stairs to small alcove-'
bower of palms and vines-where he
left her to fetch her drink Of water
Her face, as it fell into repose, was
in startling contrast to it's former
brilliant animation. AS if a waxen
mask of care had descended upon it,
color and light died out. She leaned
against the wall of the alcove,
oblivious to the music, the laughter,
and the dancing feet. The tones Of
her partners gay voice floated from a
room below, she heard it as in a
dream
''That you, Billy? You're awfully
late! Jolly girl | want you to know"
She started up, rigid, at the sound
of the voice which replied:
I'm looking for a jolly girl every
day. You had better come away from,
that punch if you want to make a
good impression.
The face of the man who had spoken
had not lost it's smile as he came up
the stairs. Fascinated, Frances
watched the 1.-THE figure as it assembled
step by step. With each stair her
heart beat faster. He did not look up
until he was almost level with her,
when the shimmering sea-green of her
gown arrested his attention, and he
lifted his eyes. For an instant, breath
less, they confronted each other.
Frances! You-here?"
He took her hands and held them.
until, with the instinct of self-preserva-
ton, she retreated into the shadowy
alcove. For an instant there was no
sound but the noisy hum of conversa-
ton from the ballroom.
'"This is no place!'' he said abruptly,
Get your wrap, and something for
your head. I don't want to talk to you
with all these people about" He
drew her hand within his arm
peremptorily, and led her down the
stairs.
Whom we're you waiting for out
there?" he inquired, pausing.
Lieutenant Jeffreys went to get me
some water
II will speak to him while you get
your wraps"
He opened the door for her and she
went in and searched widely for her
wraps. When she emerged, sheeted
in dark cloak, and with something
white and f1eecy on her head, he was
waiting. Through a dimly lighted
library he led her, opened a French
window, and let her out upon small
balcony set in the wall overlooking
the street She was trembling with
excitement. He fastened to reassure
her.
eve are safe, don't fear. Now tell
me how you happen to be here" It
was spoken quite steadily.
81 am visiting my cousin, Mrs. Lowe
Mrs. Chandler Lowe. Do you know
herr"