Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1901-02-23

frequently, she wc1ld meet him, and
their former happy companionshir and
affection would begin all over again.
And now-he was here, And he was
to accompany his sister to the mas
querade at the Martins. Invitations
had come to Miss Miff1in and her
niece. And Augusta Miffiin had decided
masquerades were sinful.
Didn't you ever go to one when
ycu-when you were young?" she
asked.
When-what? hope I have too
much respect for myself to cover the
face God gave mel
"Oh, dear-dear," 1amented Evelyn
She whisked out of the room, got
herself into her wraps, and started on
to walk away her disappointment. The
frozen snow was firm beneath her
feet A glorious sun set the FROST
white trees sparkling. The air was
crisp and exhilarating- Just as Eve
Iyn turned out OF the gate she met
James Partridge coming in A sudden
wild hope made her pause and hold out
her hand with much cordially.
Mr.. Partridge you're going to the
masquerade, aren't you? Oh, do! 1t
will be such funi Ask Aunt Augusta to
go with youi"
Mr.. Partridge was a tribe perplexed
by her eagerness-the intensity of her
interest. He was a goodnatured old
chap, and he promised to do as she
wished. The audacity of his request
almost took Augusta Mullins breath.
But she was prodigiously fattered. 1t
was a long time since she had been
asked to go to a dancel The inten-
tions of Mr. Partridge certainly must
be seriousi Her ScrupleS vanished In
a furry of excited anticipation. But
there was Evelyn
Yes, on condition my niece knows
nothing about it. 1 am responsible for
her while her parents are in Europe.
4 was hoping that Miss Evelyn
might"
Miss Evelyn, who had come back for
a letter she had written and wished
to mail, caught the sound of her name,
and stood motionless. She had been
on the point of leaving the library
when Partridge spoke.
g Not for the world! Nor must she
think that intend going. 1 shall go
to spend the evening with my friend,
Anne Spencer. You can meet me at
her house, and from there We'll go to
the Martins masquerade. III take my
costume with me in a satchel. No, in
deed. you shall not know what l am
to wear," She gigg,ed in an arch and
youthful fashion. Il am sure L can
deceive you all the EVENING" My! how
dreadful it seems to go to a masquer-
adeI''
And again Evelyn heard q Juvenile
giggle.
The next day Miss Miff1in took a trip
inc no
tnat followed she was more alert and
fidgety than Evelyn had ever known
her to be. And when on the morning
of the day of the ball bulky package
arrived for her. she darted upstairs
with it in manner surprisingly agile.
Her niece took calmly her announce
ment at luncheon that she would have
tea and spend the evening with Miss
Spencer. After her usual siesta she
took her departure. Evelyn looked
smilingly after her as she walked
briskly away carrying her satchel. And
ten minutes later she sought the stable
boy
You bet!" replied that young man
in reply to her question. He grabbed
the coin and note she offered him, and
darted Off. Mr.. Partridge remembered
having heard something about it being
a woman's privilege to change her
mind, when ne reao the missive. Say
its all right" he charged the boy IN
be at Miffiin Lodge on time
And he was there a good hour earlier
than he had promised to meet Miss
Miff1in at Anne Spencer's. But early
though it was a tall, muff1ed figure
was waiting-had indeed opened the
door for him. so you decided not to
go to Miss Spencer's,'' he said, as he
helped her into the carriage. Il wish
your niece were comilgi"
Dear Mr.. Partridge, l hope you are
not rsgretting having ask
so delighted to have the pleasure
of your company So grateful for the
honori But-pardon me-your voice
sounds
such dreadful cold," whispered
his companion huskily.
Half way to the Martins cab dash
ed by them. A face was visible at the
window. Partridge gave a great start.
You are going to have a visit from
a near relative, 1 think he ventured.
That vehicle is apparently gong 10
looks like you. Alive are almost
there, May 1 claim the first dancer"
IF you penetrate my Disguise" she
mGrmured- If you recognize mel
There was wig of luxuriant tresses
in the box with the youthful costume
OF Ophelia which Miss Mifflin had Sc
lected- This Evelyn did not require.
She let loose all her own lovely, shin
ing locks, and when she went from
the dressing room down into the