The Holly chieftain., 1903-05-15
CHAPTER iv.-(continued.)

spot where Mrs. Stagg had stationed
herself to receive. Eleanor stood at
her side. a trifle in the background, |
courtesying low when her aunt cour-
tested in mute acknowledgment of the |
announcements made by the ushers in |
attendance as to who was who. Be |
fore this bewildering ordeal was prop
erly at an end, youth invited her
to waltz; thereupon, having received
smiling nod of permission from her
aunt, she went away with him to the
ballroom, which was already possessed
by whirling coupled. Successive part
ners claimed her. and with each new
trial her confidence increased. Soon
she was flying over the smooth floor
as biithely as any, flushed with tri-
umph, radiant, painting. indifferently
conscious that her dress was torn,
scarcely hearing what was said to
her and scarcely knowing what she
said. Then it was supper time, and
she had chance to sit down and try
to comprehend the gala scene, while
more youths fitted about her like
moths, hardly introduced before they
were SOHS, sel iStuiAia5
for a moment as though not unwilling
to become fascinated.
The german was led by Eleanor and
young man experienced in such mat
tiers, and daylight was peeping through
the windows before the last polka had
come to close, eliciting melodra-
matte sigh from the half-hundred
J,, ,{i pip cd hn
floor. and stopped now only at the
command of obdurate parents. Fif-
teen minutes later, Emma and Eleanor
were sitting on sofa slipping hot
bouillon by daylight. amid the debris
of the ball room. Harold had slipped
away to bed. but the two women pre-
ferred to talk the party over be-
fore retiring. Eleanors cheeks
we're still flushed with excite
ment, and she seemed as
loath to separate herself from the
mass of bouquets and german knick-
knacks in her Jap, or pendant from her
person, as hem from her chickabid-
dies.
"Well, my dear" said Emma, with a
contented smile that lapsed into
yawn as she leaned back against the
cushions, what did you think of it?"
.Oh, had gorgeous time, and I'm
so sorry it's over. l enjoyed every
minute, and l shall never forget your
kindness, Aunt Emma-yours and
Uncle Harolds."
This is only baginning-of many
similar times, l mean. AS you get to
know more people you will enjoy your
self still more. | must say, though,
you were decidedly belle How many
favofs?"
Sixteen in all;' and l felt before
hand that if got even two should be
fortunate Aren't they lovely?" she
added, burying her face in bunch of
roses, and holding it out for inspec-
ton.
Emma smiled cogitatively.
Who gave them to ycu?" she
asked
I've been trying to remember.
There were several from men | didn't
know the names of. Mr.. Moore gave
me boquet, SO did Mr.. Page; and one
Of the plumes was from Mr.. Warren.
Then think Mr.. Porter or Cotter-
| couldn't MAKE out the name exact
ly-"
Alec Trotter, probably"
oh, yes; remember one of the 9th
ers called him Alec Well, he gave
me boquet."
He's great swell, but he won't be
fattered when I tell him that you
called him Porter and 'Cotter.' The
Trotters think there is no name to
oonjure with but theirs
oh! you mustn't let him know,
Aunt Emma"
You foolish child Tell me. how
did you get along with Mr.. Page?"
Very we'll, think. He talked to me
at supper and several times in the ger
man He dances beautifully"
owen Page is very nice fellow"
said Emma, unequivocally.
Its a pretty name There was
cobble' at home named Owen Glynn,
and used to think that if ever wrote
novel l would name the hero after
him: but Owen Page is more aristo-
cratic"
He is named after his grandfather,
who died two or three years ago,
leaving a great deal of money. His
mother and his father are dead and
he and his two sisters-they were