The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-06-15
The Mission of the Rose.
BY MRS. WADE HAMPTON.

BY MRS. WADE HAMPTON. lcopyright, 1902, by Daily Story Pub Co.) The shrill call of whistle was heard now and then above the sound of violins. the qL.ok movement of feet and the cnat- ter and laughter of gay voices. Men ana women sat on the high-rooted Pazza wherever the big iiuted columns helo the sun at bay and cast long. cool snado"s
 The sMorning German" was at its height. The crowd on the piazza was con spicuous for its absence of young peopie Those who could dance were m .he palio ai,o room, some following the whistle Of the Header" while others merely iooked on. occasionally yielding to the tenptauon e of a pretty flavor" to be taken out TOT Cne tai girl. whose smooth. dark head. under the dro oping white hat seemed to life itself above those around her, was sitting in corner safely oagk s,bi bfEn' fore tne apparentIy, was conscious only of the ex- quislte girl near him.
 You never dance"' he said.
 "Never in the morning." she answered. "In the evening"
 .iOh, I know you do then, he inter supted DO o.,a not sit ,r' hy hY and eat; M my star in cloud and l cannot stop you nor reach you?'
 A pink flush crept into her face? Tt
 
 ''and besides" with little movement of her head over to very red girl in pink. "so hazardous to looks"
 He was not much taller than the girl. with a pair of wonderful eyes, dark and steadfast and a quiet dignity. which made itself felt in his well-trained voice and manner. A man, probably. who would weigh everything in the balance and be guided by that which he found wanting.
 She had known John Ormsby little more than a. week and already people began to comment on his marked devotion to her. She was the acknowledged beauty among all the many lovely women at White Heather, and no doubt. could as easily have carried off the palm ast leading belie.'' but she. preferred the exclusive attachment of few men. She was said to be flirt.
 Whatever that may mean, and however much she heard of the gossip, it made no difference in her treatment of John Ormsby.
 She was moving out of the room now beside him. smiinglv shaking her head to tho importunities of several male da' 'c- CTS.
 Never in the morning."
 She nodded her head to the crowd on the piazza as she passed.
 Who is John Ormsby?' someone ask ed. ''I hear she has standing-or walk Encouragement with him every morn- ing" ex-Governor "is one of the brigtest young men I know. It Is said he is to he po- iitically pushed for the best place his State can give" Tn spite of that, however" remarked another, "I don't believe Margaret Rem nick is the least bit in love with him, or ever can be. don't know but one man who is really suited to her. He Is coming soon and we will see then"
 She couldn't do better than John Ormsby." replied his champion.
 Margaret came back from her walk glowing and radiant with health. She an1 T,1k nr1 mt dining room, her hands filled with ferns and a bunch of scarlet berries fastened into the belt of her white gown. People might puzzle their heads about her, but she always brought some of the mystery of the wood with her.
 That night Margaret danced constantly. She. really loved dancing.
 During the evening she saw number of women crowddng to window. She was wondering what it all meant when the rainbow of white, pink and blue dis- solved and she saw a mans face, mildly amused. but as evidently indifferent to the ovation he received.
 There was no need to ask who he was. Had Ms. name not been daily chimed into her ear, as the "one man III the world for her?"
 Who is he?" asked her partner.
 Major Warwick-Dudley Warwick she answered.
 'Ah. the man who breaks women 3 hearts! It looks that way now. See that pretty girl; she cant tear herself away. He's looking over her head now-at you Do you know him?"
 "Yes and TO. I met him years ago when I was a child Of course. he has forgotten. He promised then to show me. some day, the evening primroses-at this very place. They grow as big as moons" he said.
 A cool wind from the window was blowing on her flushed face A young fellow in immaculate dress came across the room to her. t.gf
 My cousin. Major Warwick. he wants you to come, just for a minute, and speak to him. He says he is too dusty to be presentable in a ballroom. He ,remem- bers you as little girl"
 She felt half inclined to go with Syd she shook her head with a good humored nod at the boy and then smiled across the distance into the eyes of Dudley War