The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1901-03-29


or rather ball, for it was quite an
ambitious undertaking-I saw little Of
my room mate, who was head over
heels in work.
1t was almost ten o'clock when !
reached the hall. They had just finish.
ed waltz, and outside, on the porch
(for the air was quite balmy and plea
sant), there was a glimmer Of bare
shoulders and white gowns, with a
background of dress suits and uniforms.
The first man | stumbled across was
our old friend Captain Derney, gor.
geous in wide expanse of shirt-front
and an ante-bellum dress suit, and
hanging on his arm, a vision of lace
and loveliness- Seaton.
$50 you have come at last!' was
her rather strange greeting. and then
before l could answer, she apologized
to the captain and came to my side.
How magnificent she looked and
yet, withal, how restless and uneasy
In an ordinary gown Dolly was beauti.
full, but in full evening dress, with
white, roun,l,d aims, barred throat and
bosom that rivaled marble in their puri-
ty, her dark hair worn low, with one
large red rose peeping forth, her sweet,
rosy lips slightly parted, she was
simply ravishing.
"Give me your arm, please; l want
to walk. Do you know, | think that
in five minutes more Captain Derney
would have laid himself at my feet,
dress suit and all? OF course, it was
only for Halls sake that l felt very
much like punching Derncy's head"
My part of the conversation was limit
ed. We walked up an | down the porch
Dolly talking all the time in such n
quick, reckless manner that | hardly
knew how to reply to he. Presently
there came to our ears the strains of the
and then l took her in to
find Hal, to whom she was engaged
for the dance. The hop-room present
ed very animated, pretty scene.
There were plenty Of bright, hand
some girls, but Dolly was nndoubted-
ly the "queen of them ALL" How well
she danced, the very poetry of motion!
and while l stood watching her "Mrs.
Major" beckoned to me from the other
side of the room.
"Have you heard the news?' she
hurriedly asked me, and, without wait
ing for an answer, went on: "Mr.
Lannon and Miss Seaton are engaged
1t was announced tonight.
care you certain, Mrs. Kingston ?"
| asked.
Certain? Why, Mr.. Lannon told
me so himself Do you think it's a
good match p
"Splendid !" answered, somewhat
family, however; and ten minutes
later "Mrs. Major" had told two or
three people that | disapproved of the
engagement.
And so they were engaged! Well,
it was clearly my duty to hunt up Hal
and congratulate him. l wondered b.
had not spoken OF it to me in the early
part of the evening, and then Dolly
but of course it was hardly her place
to mention it. Just before supper Hal
brought her to me; he was a perfect
picture of radiant happiness, and look
ed quite handsome and distingue.
"Old man, you must take this waltz
off my hands. They want ne down
stairs to see about the supper, I'll be
back before long to relieve you," and
with bright, happy nod he left us.
1t was our first dance together. l can
it as we'll now (though it
occurred many years ago. as if it had
been yesterday. The band was play
ing Loves Error" dolly laughed as
she called my attention toit), and for
the first time in many years l danced,
not from a sense Of duty, but with a
keen zest and enjoyment; and Dolly
she waltz ID divinely.
"You have heard the news?" she
asked me, as we glided around the
room.
''Is it true?' | asked, by way Of
reply.
Yes"
"And, Of course, you're happy"
"I'm satisfied she answered, and
after few more turns she asked me to
take her out on the porch, as the heat
Of the room was oppressive. | found
a quiet little corner, and sue threw her
self down on the bench with 4 motion
Of utter WEAKNESS.
"Well, what do you think Of it?
Can't you speak? You've hardly said
a word to me all the evening""
"What is there for me to say? I'm
very glad to know you've made Hal
happy wish you both all the happi-
ness in the world
"Happiness!" she echoed, scornfully;
''happiness! You speak of happiness!
Have you found any in your life? Is
there any in the world?'
"Our cases are hardly PARALLEL" |
replied. "You are young and beauti-
ful, with the world before you. Every
Eyes, everything. What is every