The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1902-08-15
THE PARTY THAT FAILED,

Ject TO 1T, and l object to Mrs. BOycc-
Dunton, too. l don't like the woman"
'l}ut. Auntie, darling, you know l may
meet people at her house who may be of
use to me in my career. You see. as all
artist, successful portrait painter, she
knows such heaps of people-all Sorts
'Nhy does she entertain on Sun
day:'.
Because she is so very busy all the
week. Come, dear auntie, do be nice,
and say l may CO.,
She threw her arms round the elderly
lady's neck and looked at her with visit
full, beseeching eyes.
Il don't like you're starting art and
all this nonsense about career" she
said, making Il last effort to he firm.
"Ah, child, why did you quarrel with
Oliver West? l would far rather see you
his wife than eli artist
Di moved away swiftly. II won't be
worried about Oliver" she said, petu-
lantly; ''he-he treated me very badly,
and-I hate him!' There was a little
culver in her voice, and her mouth took
wistful curve.
Miss Devenan. Il always feel + can
trust to his Judgment
"Oh, I'm sure DON'T" retorted Di,
with sisterly scorn. However, you can
ask him, auntie: though why there
should be such a TODD about my going to
an evening party I can't imagine"
Here comes Fred; will ask him -
said Miss Devenan, nervously. Erred,
my dear, do you think your sister can go
unchaperoned to Sunday evening party
at Mrs. Boyce-Dunton's?"
"Let me see," he said, Mrs. 3D.;
that's your owl i'll an ivy-bush friend,
Sunday shows? Well, know what they
are; informal kind of things. Take
West with you. She'll be all ri ght under
his care, aunt"
Mr.: West" said Di, elevating her
friends. Our engagement is broken of. !"
you little idiot" he observed at
length. swell, West was always a
sight too 90, good &C. for you. Why did you
1T was on this very same subject
Miss Devenan heaved deep sigh. oil
yer objects to this art craze which has
seized hold of Di; he objects most strong
~ to Mrs. Boyce-Dunton, who has taken
Di up. He disliked her Sundays, and
asked Di to decline the invitation. Di
wouldn 't-and-and-"
''The end of it is. Mr.. West goes his
way and l go mine," struck in Di rather
tiercely. Now, auntie, if you please we
will change the subject"
sought his aunt
II am not bby; I can be trusted
alone" struck in Miss Wenstord sud
denly. Il won't have Fred or any one
else thrust on me. Besides, he's not
asked. I'm going. auntie, SO it's no use
saving any mocr.''
SO Di had her way; she was to go to
Mrs Mrs: Boyce-Dunton's party the third
Of pride when she reflected that for the
first time in all her carefully guarded
nineteen years Of life she would drive
alone in a hansom
She looked forward to Mrs. Royce
Dunton's Sunday with very different
feelings to those with which she re-.
garded her usual gayeties There was a
flavor Of romance about it, a delightful
prlety. that dazzled her.
''How do look, auntie?' she demand.
ed, dancing into that lady's room in all
the snowy glory of chiffon dres. red
chrysanthemums Oh her breast, and one
in her wavk dark hair.
charming, my DEAR" agreed Miss
D lS,s? putting down her book to look
cloak looks very we'll over the white
dress. Pray be careful not to dirty
your sash if you can avoid it. You
know you will not have another evening
dress for some time.''
II hate to have to take care of nv
things, Di said, a little petulantly. Il
Sould like to have new frock whenever
You would have been able to if you
had married Oliver" Miss Dovona,,
could not resist saying. land that lovely
house at Hampstead would have been
yours, too. However, don't let US
think OF your lost prospects. It is use
gentle voice-'sthat you viii find your our
artistic career make up to you for having
thrown most .wantonly away good
mans love and a large fortune
Di only pirouetted on the points Of her
dainty slippers, looking. approvingly at
the foamy chiffon about her.
II think now I'll tell Jane to call a
cab'" she announced; Its time I was
Use to be back early"
She ran downstairs. full Of that good
humor and tolerance Of the world in
general which the consciousness of look
ing ones best is wont to inspire, and not
even the long drive could damp her
SPAAAIo. EouOIlly De1OTo reaching M rs.
Boyce-Dunton's abode she passed a
handsome row of houses, and Diana,
catching sight of Desmore Place on one
of the lamps, grew a little sad. as her
thoughts went to Oliver West, who lived
there, and she reflected on the sudden
and angry termination her part-of
their engagement.
The knowledge Of her daring elated
Miss Wensford but moderately, to Judge
by the sigh she heaved. and the sober
expression on her lovely face as the han
som drew up ut % Colkan Gardens.
"How mnch?" asked Diana. after
:Fibe ho %'!o e grGat e carG
whose voice had that rich huskiness Of
tone one is apt TO associate with much
long WHY, Idly" =
Can YOU change me half SOVEREIGN p"
The Iehu signified that he could, md
Di handed him the golden coin: but what
was her dismay when the cabby. VIII
great promptitude. turned his horses
head in the direction from which thew
rok MI