The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-01-04
A MODERN CINDERELLA
THE STORY OF THE PRINCE WHO WON HER.

say word TO mar Lyda's pleasure or to
cause his mother any anxiety
He felt rewarded for the effort he had
made when he saw how much LYDIA en-
joyed her novel experience. and in lis
tenfng to her bright comments on the
gIittering panorama
Tom feared that dancing might tax
his powers of endurance too far. and
vas wondering what excuse to make to
Lydia, when hearty voice exclaimed:
Why. if it isn't Tom STUART And a
friend from their native land shook him
vigorously by the band
LYDIA was soon gliding round with this
friend Of her childhood. She uaively ex-
planned to him how they happened to
be at the ball so he took great pains to
introduce his friends. and after that she
did not lack for partners.
Flushed and happy, she finally went 10
prepare for her home going When she
emerged from the cloak room she ex-
pected to find Tom waiting for her. but
he was nowhere to be seen. and she
stood rather nervously watching fer
him.
As she looked rather anxiously about
for her brother she happened to eucoun-
ter the gaze of man who stood near
ner. He was distinguished looking. and
LYDIA had noticed him several times dur
ing the evening, secretly wishing that
she might have met him.
As she looked up he seemed TO realize
that he had been staring at her, for he
started little and turned away.
LYDIA did not know what 10 do. Where
could Tom be? II only one of the mer
she had met would pass that way! Her
trepidation increased. Noticing this,
the man. who was still coyertIy watch
ing her approached
'Can be Of any assistance TO you?''
he asked courteousIy. Perhaps l could
find the person you were looking for"
1T is my brother" LYDIA half gasped.
raising pair Of very frightened blue
eyes Meeting his kindly. encouraging
look, she hurried on.
u thought he would be here. and can
not understand what keeps him All,
there he is Thank you so much, =" as
Tom hurried to her. looking very white
why. Tom. what is the natter" she
questioned anxiousiy, noting his pallor
Hugh Thurston stepped aside. wishing
devoutIy that Tom had not appeared
quite so soon OF course. he was glad
that the sisters anxiety was relieved
but he very much wanted TO know who
she was.
why. I had sort Of giddy faint
spell. little girl. Tom explained hastily.
My head has bothered me all day.
Awfully sorry-hope you have not been
4 was. rather, but it's no matter. I.
am sorry that you are i'll: Why didn't you
say so. and We could have gone home
This gentIeman''-nodding to-
ward Thurston-"had Just offered to so
In search OF you.
Tom turned to ThuTston and thanked
him briefly. explaining his own delay
Lyda bowed a slight acknowledgment as
they passed. but something in his eyes
as they met hers made her heart give a
sudden bound and brought a deeper flush
TO her cheeks.
Who on earth can she be" Thurstou
wondered. Evidently they had not cone
in carriage. for she wore a hat and
dark ulster hid her ball gown, and he
knew from her accent that she was Eng
lish.
Looking down, he saw a little sold pin
lying in the corner where she had stood
while waiting FOR her brother Picking il
up. he hurried downstairs and searched