The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-01-31

uniformed officer.
"Some girls don't pay to dress, she
remarked with apparent irrelevance.
The truth of this remark being too
obvious to need a reply, it was met
with smiling silence.
'She has such spirits" observed Mrs.
Boniface. Not so young, either"
"No," imperturbably. "Quite COM
panionablc, in fact"
:'What do you suppose keeps the
Governol?'
| *
Frances danced with gladness and
interest which no brilliant ball in for
eign countries had aroused in her.
She cfftrvrscrd with patriotism to such
an extent that anything American
seemed infinitely superior to foreign
splendor The young officer was daz-
zled 10y the sparkling excitement of
the girl.
They had paused to talk, in the full
swing OF the dancing, to gain their
breath, after an exhilarating two-step.
Her partner was tanning her laughing
/ face with fan suspended by chain
from her neck, while he gazed in her
face. Without trace Of coquetry she
flashed her eyes towards him. Lieut..
Jetfrcys," she said, and he bent his
head anxiously to catch the forthcom-
ing confidence There is one thing
even an American man can't do"
Fer you? Impossible!' he mur-
INJURED. Name it,"
Use fan properly. No man can.
1t must I've fault in the construction
of their collar-bones.
"Pshaw!" he circulated, clestfallen.
II thought l was to have an opportu-
nifty to You say no man can? Show
me how to do it,
IL am very thirsty she said, laugh
ing at his evident discontinue. "Do
YOU know where the water i>!'
1T is downstairs said her partner.
"If you wait out here in the alcove I'll
bring some up here He led her out
of tue ballroom and they descended
few steps to the curve of the stairs to
small alcovc-a bower Of palms and
vines-where he left her.
Her face as it fell into repose was in
startling contrast to its former brilliant
animation. As if a waxen mask of
care had DESCENDED upon it, color and
light died out. She leaned against the
wall of the alcove oblivious to the
music, the laughter and the dancing
feet. The tones Of her partners gay
voice aoated up from room below;
she heard it as in dream.
THAT you, Billy! You're awfully
late. jolly girl want you to know"
She started up, rigid, at the sound
OF the voice which replied: "I'm look
ing for a jolly girl every day. You
had better come away from that punch
if you want to make good impress
sion."
The face of the man who had spoken
had not lost its smile as he came up the
stairs. Fascinated, Frances watched
the 1.-THE figure as it ascended step by
step. With each stair her heart beat
faster. He did not look up until be
was almost level with her, when the
shimmering sea-green satin of her
gown arrested his attention, and he
lifted his eyes.
For an instant, brcathless, they con-
fronted each other
Frances! You-hcr,!'
He took her hands and held them
until with the instinct of self preserva-
tion she retreated into the shadowy
alcove For an instant there was no
sound but the noisy hum Of conversa-
tion from the ballroom during an in
termission in the dancing.
This is no place." he said abruptly.
81 know this house. Get your wrap
and something for your head. don't
want to talk to you with all these peo-
pie about lie drew her hand within
his arm peremptorily and led her down
| the stairs.
"Who were you waiting for out
ther'?" he inquired, pausing.
''Lieut. Jctfrcys went to get me some
water"
IL will speak to him while you get
your wraps. The dressing room will
be empty now. IIurry!'
He opened the door for her and she
went in and searched wildly for her
wraps. When she emerged, sheathed
Ill dark cloak and with something
white a.l tleecy on her head, he was
waiting Through dimly lighted
library he led her, op"ned a French
window, and let her out upon small
bllcony, set in the wall overlooking
the street. She was trembling with
excitement. He FASTENED to r, assure
her.
we are safe, don't fear. Are you
sure you will be warm?' he said, feel
ing her wrap.
"Fur,' she answered laconically.
"But you, Billy?'
He did not answer at once but leaned
against tie gray stone of the sidewall
and looked at her gravely
| Ill be warm enough. Now tell me