The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1902-03-28
THE LUCK OF A * .;
~ MASQUERADE.
BY R. E. VERNEDE.

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''Burn me-" he added, "but it's cold
morning, and Sir Harry the deuce of
a shot,
Roger was glad that his cousin was
content to do the driving, since for
his own part he wanted to reflect.
Never had he felt less inclined to act
second in q duel. 1t seemed such a
poor end to that glorious masquerade
of the night before, to be bound-only
four hours later-for the lower fields
of Hampstead, there to look on two
men facing each other with pistols in
the frost of the morning, and one his
cousin. It was likely to be bloody
business too, for the men were to
fight until one or other was dis
abled. And though the business of
war was Lieut.. Roger Dunstanton's
own business, yet this affair was in
opportune. How should he look for
ward to the crack of pistols, when for
the first time in his life the sound of
a lady's voice was lingering like mu-
sic in his heart? TO be dragged from
his dream into this deadly scuftie was
intolerable.
To the beat of the mares hoofs on
the road he went over the whole events
of the night. First boredom, then
fascination, and lastly, a rude waking
to the scowls and brawling in the
card-room-those were the events in
order.
The boredom began almost at the
beginning of the ball, for Roger being
fresh from campaigning in the Low
Countries and life that was ener-
getic, if not very glorious, found him.
self alien from >the glitter and the
heat, the dancing and the incessant
violins. 1t seemed all tongue and
prancing-this masquerade-the dane
ing brisk enough, the chatter lively
enough, but to glide and exchange
gossip all night long with a mask
promised to end in monotony. If the
ladies had but uncovered their faces,
it would have been better. Roger be-
gan to explain his view of masque-
rades somewhat ingenuously to a
partner whom he was leading through
the cotillion. She was light as air and
blithe-voiced.
"And these Mosques are abomin-
able," he said.
20 sir" she answered, "this is rank
sedition!."
"How so?''
"For one reason, because it is the
dul]est thing to say, and all billiards
are traitors at masquerade"
"And for another? Roger asked,
piqued.
because it is not tc my liking"
She had so charming a haughtiness
that he gave in,
"Then T withdraw the statement"
he said. II tender my apologies"
"To me only, or to all who wear
masques?"
"To all Internationally" he said,
shat is, on condition that you tell
me good reason for masking"
''Truly," she said, "this is what
comes of soldering. This is uncondi-
tional surrender on your own terms.
Nevertheless, will telIyou. The
masque is good for the old maid!"
But you are young-you are just
from school. know it," he said, un-.
warily.
'Then, sir, you should have had the
kindness to conceal your knowledge"
She fed away and mixed with the
throng. But the masquerade had a
meaning for Dunstanton now. BY luck
he had found her again, and yet a third
time, and always his admiration grew.
''Masqnes now, not masqnerades, are
an abomination," he said later.
'Rut how much better to be cam
paigning," she laughed.
GLOW shall know you again?"
"Are not the Low Countries
enough?"
"Be merciful!" he said.
And for an instant she lifted her
masque and he saw her. She was more
beautiful than he expected--lips made
for music, eyes full of laughter and adj
venture.
And again leaving her merry laugh
ter in his ears she slipped into the
crowd.
Left to himself, Dunstanton could |
not rest. He walked into the card
room, where he perceived that there
was a most undisguised quarrel on it's
course. His cousin, who seemed to
have just staggered to his feet from
the ombre-table, his face drenched
with wine, was facing an older man,
sred-faced and furious, and
to come to blows. A little
crowd of men stood about them, d.
vided in sympathies. Roger was hailed
"Ah, cousin!" said Watts, 'you are
come in good time"
"What is the matter?" Roger asked.
II demand satisfaction from Sir
Harry Mayne," said Watts, furiously.
(Which, warrant, my father will be
most ready to give" said young man,
stepping forward.
Some one introduced Roger to Mr..
Richard Mayne, and he found himself
hurriedly arranging a meeting with
pistols at six o'clock in the morning
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