The Elbert County tribune., 1903-05-14
CHAPTER Iv.-(contlnued.)

spot where Mrs. Stagg had stationed
herself to receive. Eleanor stood at
her side. trife 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 bewilderlng ordeal was prop
erly at an end. a youth invited her
to waltz, thereupon. having received
a 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 blithely 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 1t was supper time, and
she had a chance to sit down and try
TO comprehend the gala scene, while
more youths fitted about her like
moths. hardly introduced before they
were gone, yet sometimes returning
for moment as though not unwilling
to become fascinated.
The german was led by Eleanor and
young man experienced in such mat
ters, and daylight was peeping through
the windows before the last polka had
come to close, eliciting melodra-
matte sigh from the half-hundred
dancers who still remained on the
d0or and etonpad nnw op1v NJ tho
command of obdurate parents. Fif
teen minutes later, Emma and Eleanor
were sitting on a sofa slipping hot
bouillon by daylight, amid the debris
of the ball room. Harold had slipped
away to bed. but the two women pre-
fsrred to talk the party over be-
fore retiring. Eleanor's cheeks
we're still flushed with excite
nent, and she seemed as
lLoath to separate herself from the
mass of bouquets and german knick-
ltnacks in her Jap. or pendant from her
person. as a hem from her chickabid-
dies.
We'll. my dear" said Emma. with
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. | enjoyed every
minute. and shall never forget your
kindness. Aunt Emma-yours and
Uncle Harold's."
This is only beginning-of many
similar times. mean. As you get TO
know more people you will enjoy your
self still more. l must say. though,
you were decidedly belle. How many
favors?"
Sixteen in all; and 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 1t out for inspec-
ton.
Emma smiled cogitatively.
Who gave them to you?" she
asked.
1--WE 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 a Mr.. Porter Of Cotter-
| couldn't MAKE out the name exact
H-"
ALEC Trotter, probably"
"Oh, yes; remember one of the 9TH
ers called him Alec Well. he gave
me boquet."
Hes great swell. but he won't be
flattered when l tell him that you
called him Porter and 'Cotter.' The
Trotters think there is no name to
conjure with but theirs"
"Oh you mustn't let him know,
Aunt Emma"
You foolish child, Tell me. how
did you get along with Mr.. Pager"
Very well, 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. unequivocaIly.
Its pretty name. There was
cobbler at home named owen Glynn.
and used to think that if ever wrote
a novel | 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
both, here to-night-came In for the
whole of 1t. Last winter he was in
Europe, but | fancy he means to de
vote himself to going about at home
this year
Such was Eleanor's Introduction
into society. and. as her aunt had fore
told, the ball at the Stages was but
the first of a series Of entertainments
at which she appeared during the sea
son. Emma knew well that nothing |
but eternal vigilance would save her |
from becoming merely one of the mass
Of girls who went to party after party |