The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-12-16
MADALINE RAY.
BY LAURA c. HOLLOWAY.
.-A.-.


room.
"Yes; she is absolutely poor-no for
tune whatever, though l believe her
uncle withholds the real facts from
her, and meets her demands with his
own funds. He is rich, and she an
orphan. without any other relation
nearer than this uncle. her fathers
brother. She is wise and sweet, sid
ney. there is no denying that, but no
again to look at collection of prints.
quite satisfied that he had done his
duty to his old friend.
But Sidney Mason was interested.
He could not ignore the presence of
the beautiful girl, and preferred not
to lose sight of her.
Il incline TO Think" said he, "that
she is an attractive woman. Starr; but
do introduce ihe; then l will be better
able to Judge of her attributes"
"wait spell, sid; it will not do TO
have the lion of the evening fall un-
der Miss Rays magnetism before he
is introduced to some other bellies"
"Oh, then she Is magnetic? l mag
ined so from her repose of manner and
serene expression of countenance. But
come. must know her"
'Under protest, them laughingly re-
piled his friend. "But wait till l ask
her permisslon; she is arbitrary, and
you will find her excessively prudish."
"For which l shall like her all the
better" was Sidney Mason's reply.
miss Ray, an old friend of mine
and stranger in New York society,
greatly desires an Introduction. May
i present him?"
'If he is charitable enough TO excuse
my shortcomings. l am not very So
ciable this evening. and am feeling
just now quite willing TO be enter
tanned If no like recompense is de-
named"
Then l will present him. He is n
noble man, and anxious TO know you.
You will find him agreeable"
Bring him by all means" she add
ed, and before the sentence was fin
ished the young man had touched his
friend and spoken the Introductory
words that made the two strangers
no longer, but friends ut once.
she was an animated taller. as well
MS n careful listener, and was singu-
iarly gifted with that rarest of all gifts
In woman-a cultivated and beautl-
full voice. Sidney Mason was too gem
uine an admirer of beauty to lose any
of its tone. and he listened to her and
observed her as only a man greatly
charmed can.
When the music began and the dane
ers filled the space about them, the two
retreated to the library, where, half
an hour later, Mr.. Ray found his niece
chatting and laughing as he had not
heard her often at such entertain
ments.
"Why. Madaline," he exclaimed;
how lively you are tonight, and how
glad am. Will you make me ac-
quainted with your companion?"
''Mr. Mason, Uncle Ray-Mr. Starr's
friend. 1 know he is glad you have
come TO share his exile. I had quite
overlooked the fact that the room was
deserted; and perhaps Mr.. Mason
would like to be enjoying the dane
tng?"
"Mr. Mason is very happy where he
ia. Miss Ray" said that gentleman,
bowing; "and, as for dancing, l gave
1t up when l ceased to be youth"
"Wcll. you two can shake hands
there. SIR" said Mr.. Ray; "Madaline
will not dance at all, unless in some
children's affair at home, where she
can OUTRAGE and outrun all the young
sters."
''Stop, uncle. Mr.. Mason has heard
enough of my weaknesses already. He
Is Air. Starr's friend, and you know
1Ir. Starr is not inclined to overesti
mate your niece"
There was tone Of bitterness II
this unlocked for speech, which sur
prised both gentlemen. The speaker
herself seemed to notice their embar
rassment, and quickly added:
''Pray, pardon me, both of you; dix
not intend to be personal. but l over
heard Mr.. Starr apprising a gentleman
oil my financial prospects tonight ant
said report did you more credit, uncle
than 1t did my bank account. How
ever. we will pass it over since Mr.
Starr is so honest as to be above sus
picion in his pursuit of money"
''Some one else's money, you mean
Madge. But never mind, girls, We will
not have Mr.. Mason believe us unciv
Il. and Mr.. Starr is to be pardoned. no
condemned, If he has no other appre
eiation Of you than the amount o
your taxable property"
Mr.. Mason's face was a study. II
had heard his friend use the same Ian
guage himself concerning his fai
young acquaintance. and he could no
Justify him. He only felt confuset
and sadly I'm want of something to sa,
that would convince her of his owl
sentiments. But she gave him no tim
to frame words. Putting out her han
TO him in token of goodbye. she eS
pressed the hope of a pleasant ever
ing for him, and taking her uncle
arm, Joined the throng in the hall. No
did he have an opportunity Of agai
talking with her alone during the ever
fng. She was surrounded by admirers