The Coconino sun., 1902-12-06


 to do the thing we'll. It was made part ly of satins. not of cotton like the com mon clowns things. On the chest part. which was red, there was huge vel low donkey. and there were comic ami mals in other places. The whole ef- feet was entirely absurd. as, of course. was intended, though resolved that it was the last time that I would sub init to tomfoolery of this kind. She would not find me 50 tractable after marriage.
 The night of the dance arrived. drove up in brougham. An aggravat- ing incident at the start was that quite g number of gamins sighted me near the house, and ran after the carriage
 the door. This was especially an
 to me. hold that 1t is only outsiders who attract attention to themselves, and that he is well-dressed who does not do so. As alighted, the unwashed raised cheer and indulged in some stupid gutter humor. As usual, there was no constable near. Nor was my temper improved by the fact that, as is invariably the case at the Fresh field house, was kept fully three min utes before the bell was answered. And, when the door at last opened. the servant forgot her place and guffawed. It was an impertinence for her to be amused. told the giggling fool of a servant not to announce me, and hastily made my way to the ballroom. On my way I passed several couples (who seemed startled by mel in ordi- nary evening dress. That. in my opin- ion, was what spoiled so many fancy dress balls. Either all ought to be in fancy dress or none at all. Miss Fresh field was standing, with her father, just at the entrance to the room. They, too. curiousIy, were in ordinary even ing dress. She looked her best. and at sight of her my bad temper seemed to vanish.
 "Here we are again!" I said.
 Miss Freshfield appeared to be GOV cred with confusion. She at first turned white, and then crimson, and then. with a smile (which was almost laugh) said: "Oh, l thought you were never coming"
 As for hSs father, he seemed scared out of his life. Good gracious, MT. Leight!" he said. "You, of all peo- ple!"
 I then looked about me and burst into precipitation.
 There were fully hundred people ! there; dancing had stopped, and ev- eryone was staring at me. I was the only guest in fancy dress!
 I turned angrily to MT. Freshfield. What is the meaning of this, sir?" l asked.
 "I ask you," he replied, gravely.
 'It is breach of hospitality" said. "You invite me to fancy dress ball."
 ''Fancy dress ball?" he interrupted. Whatever put that in your head? Really, Mir. Leight. must repeat it, I | am surprised at your coming like this"
 Fortunately" l answered. curbing my temper with difficulty, Thave kept the card"
 At that I stalked out of the room dignifed, in spite of the costume.
 l drove back. furious. Arrived home, I at once looked at the card. But had never been in any doubt about it. There stood fancy. dress" right enough.
 l tore the costume into shreds and burned it.
 The modification of the thing made me feel positively i'll. That should have been made to look ludicrous be- [ fore Miss Fresbfield of all people. I would not rest until had found out who was responsible for\ and would have my revenge.
 The next morning drove to MT. Freshfield's office, with the card. He to think at first that l had come to apologize.
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