Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1902-09-03
AFIDDLEROF
FORTUNE D D.
By HARRIET
PEARL SKINNER

When Dorothy Dunham entered
the ballroom. She was accompanied
by her aunt, Mrs. Parker Durham, and
as the two paused for an instant in
the doorway, watching the myriads of
dancers go floating by, the girl pre-
sented a picture fit for the brush of
Titan.
She was tall and finely proportional.
Her red-brOwn hair was piled in
glorious masses, her brown eyes were
flashing with girlish excitement, her
cheeks were delicately flushed, and
her whole being was vibrant with pleas
ure and anticipation. She was dressed
in a gown of gauzy white, which left
bare her exquisite arms and throat,
and her only ornament was a single
white rose fastened carelessly in her
auburn hair.
Instantly that she was discovered
mods and smiles greeted her from all
parts of the room, and it was evident
that she was easily the favorite of the
younger set at the lake. Her dances
had all been promised beforehand, so
her card was tossed aside while she
graciously accorded to each of the
young gallants the waltz or deuX-
temp he had previously begged.
Never had Dorothy appeared more
joyous and certainly never more beau
tiful than tonight, but this thought
continually thrust itself upon her at
tention:
Just one week of fun, and then
comes Saturday, and-Paul Churchill
But have this one week of gra ce, and
l shall certainly make the beg of the
time"
For Dorothy's father had, upon re-
cent eastern trip, met with his old
school chum, Henry Churchill, the now
famous New York millionaire, and
they, in the delight of their reunion,
had concocted plan whereby they
might cement their lifelong friend
ship, ultimately combine their vast
fortunes, and insure the future well
fare of their children. A marriape be-
tween Henry ChurchiIrs only son, Paul.
and John Dunham's only daughter,
Dorothy, was arranged, pending only
the consent of the young people, which
the dutiful children would scarcely
fail to accord. The gentlemen had de-
clded that the twain should meet at
Delavan lake, and Dorothy, who was
motherless, had arrived to-day under
the care of her fathers sister.
OF course L shan't be compelled to
marry him." thought Dorothy, but if
can possibly tolerate him, / shall feel
that L must do it for papa's sake"
Tonight, however, she was deter
mined to forget her impending ordeal
ana TO enjoy every minute of the
time.
suddenly, as with Howard Moore
she waltzed slowly past the musicians,
platform, her eyes met those of tbe
Vlollnlst. For an instant she was smell
pound as she met that earnest. com
Pellng gaze. The color left her cheek
ana Tor the first time in her life she
lost the rhythm of the music.
1--WE are out of time. Miss Dunbop,
my fault entirely beg your par
DON"
Her partners words recalled Dor
othy to herself, and with quick flush
She dropped her eyes and whirled away
bold, yes, very-and presumptuous
perhaps Httle-but rude. not q hit
ms look wasn't even one exactly of
admiration, but just of kind of inter
est. Pshaw, what do care what tbi.
hddIer's glances mean! He certainly
plays dlvinely, though" she medi-
tated.
All about the room Dorothy heard
comments upon the musician and his
art.
He's new-came to-day. Tremen-
dous tone-so much better than +ba
other one!"
Next morning Dorothy ran across
the gre sward toward the hotel ten.
mis- grounds, where three other pretty
girls in short skirts awaited her.
Hurry, Dorothy" called one.
II had four letters to read" she
apologized breathlessly as she took
her place. Happening to glance mad
vertently toward the adjoining net.
where two men were playing singles,
Dorothy recognized the new violinist
In the court diagonally opposite her
own. That he was about 80 years old
tall, dark, athletic, and vigorous she
comprehended in flash.
Their eyes met, but his glance was as
cool as her own, and he continued his
game with an ease and dexterity which
he felt rather than saw. She turned
abruptly away with a sensation of
positive annoyance.