The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-11-18


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
servant not to announce me, and
hastily made my way to the ballroom.
On my way l 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, curiously, were in ordinary even
ing dress. She looked her best, and at
sight of her my bad temper seemed to
vanish.
Here we are againi" said.
Miss Freshfield appeared to be COW
cred with confusion. She at first turned
white, and then crimson, and then,
with a smile (Which was almost
laugh) said: ooh, thought you were
never coming"
AS for hS< father, he seemed scared
out of his life. "Good gracious, Mr..
Leightl" he said. "You, of all peo-
plel"
1 then looked about me and burst
into perspiration.
There were fully hundred people
there; dancing had stopped, and ev-
eryone was staring at me. was the
only guest in fancy dressl
turned angrily to Mr.. Freshfield.
"What is the meaning of this, sir?" l
asked.
81 ask you" he replied, gravely.
at is breach of hospitality" said.
"You invite me to fancy dress ball"
Fancy dress ball?" he interrupted.
whatever put that in your head2
Really, Mr.. Leight, must repeat it, /
am surprised at your coming like this"
Fortunately" / answered, curbing
my temper with difficulty, 81 have kept
| the card"
AT that I stalked out of the room
dignified, in spite of the costume.
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.
tore the costume into shreds and
burned 1t.
rrha x~,o~4sqoo4for - 4Aa 4b;prp MN Ia
me feel positively i'll. That l should
have been made to look ludicrous be.
fore Miss Freshfield of all people.
would not rest until had found out
who was responsible foI and would
have my revenge.
The next morning I drove to Mr.
Freshfeld's office, with the card. He
appeared to think at first that hat
come to apologize.
'Oh, it's all right" he said. Every
one was very amused-very amused
Mistakes will happen"
/ contained myself. / showed hin
the card, and asked him whose th'
writing was. He read it, then exploded
vulgarly into peals of laughter.
20. the young rascal" he said. 30
the young rascal. All, well, boys will
be boys, you know"
So II was that ape. Charlie.
"Well," | said, when he had recov
cred himself. land what do you propos,
doing to him?"
20, I'll give him good talking to
the young rascall" said his father.
1 again managed to contain myself
"a talking to Good heavensl Mr.
Freshfield," / said, you do not seen
to appreciate the situation. If yol
do not severely punish the lad shall
certainly have to consider what rights
the law gives me over him"
However, the father refused to thrasl
the young ruffian-or, anyhow, h,
begged me not to insist on it, and final
ly got me to consent to be satisfied
with personal apology from the boy
/ was annoyed, as soon as had left
that l had been as lenient as this.
hate your indulgent parents. They
are danger to the state. Still, afte
all, 1t was Miss Freshfeld's brother.
In the evening the boy came round
looking sufficiently shamefaced.
"Well, sir?" / said.
40, have come to say am sorry T.
I-made you look such fool yesterda,
evening. Have you got me an,
more foreign stamps?"
SO this was his apology.
/ stared at him for a moment; the
great rage came over me. In tn
corner stood my walking cane. Per
haps / should not have done it. But
am human. A lady writer once sal
there is nothing more beautiful to hea
than the laughter of little child. Sh
had not heard Charles yells. It |
good to me-passing good-to refiec
. that for some time to come Maste
Charlie will never sit down withou
thinking of me, and, when he sleeps
he sleeps on his side.
AS remarked, perhaps should nc
have done it. But who shall say tina
the provocation was not great? No
do / believe that any harm was eve
, done by thrashing boy. II were
father I would thrash regularly ever
: night. He may be sure that IL ha