Alaska sentinel., 1903-03-12
A MODERN CINDERELLA

SAfIf hMM W lldl SOu
 IWUl think" cried Lyda Stuart, as
 oS she rushed into the room where her mother sat. with flushed cheeks anu d sheVeled hair. Il have found two tckets for the ball tomorrow night 10 name or anything on them by which could trace the owner-and oh, mam- ma. want to use them; want 10 go."
 But, my dear" expostulated Mrs. Stuart, as Lyda paused breathlessly, "hOw-"
 Why, you kept one or two of my evening gowns, you know, mother, and am sure the white one would do beau tifuliy, and Tom is still quite present. able in his dress suit, even if it is too tight-aud here are the tickets, So why not? The only thing is that want you to go too, darling" with an emphatic kiss Oh her mothers cheek.
 Il should not care in the least about It, dear. and am afraid you will be dis appointed"
 "Oh. know shall be in 1t, and not of it, but that does not matter. shall enjoy just watching il all, and hear ing the music. 1 may combine busi- ness with pleasure, too, mamma, by getting some new ideas for my sketches"
 We will see what your brother says, dear" Mrs. Stuart answered.
 She would have been loath indeed to deprive this daughter of hers of any pleasure that might come in her way, Tor in thr Ir,visvs that had fallen uIl the family since Mir. Stuart's death his wife's greatest grief had been for Lyda. The disaster had come on the very eve of her coming out, and ever since they left their beautiful English home and came to this big, seething, lonely American city, Lyda had worked steadily at illustrating.
 Now she was making a success at 1t, and there was also beginning to be quite a demand for her dainty water color work.
 When Tom came home Lyda immedi- her wonderful news. He readily agreed to take her, but he warned her that they would not be likely to meet any of their few acQuaintances, and that therefore, she would have to be satis- fled to dance with him or be simply a spectator at her first ball.
 The next day they scanned the pa pers for some mention of the tickets, but none appeared, so they felt Justified in using them.
 That night Lyda was all excitement The white gown had required very lit tie attention, and as Mrs. Stuart put the finishing touches to her daughters toilet she felt very pardonable mother ly pride in her.
 How do you like me. TomT Lyda room.
 Tom whistled. By Jove!" he ejac- ulated as he gazed at the picture framed in the doorway. She laughed happily, taking innocent pleasure in his astonished admiration.
 q knew you were good-looking, Lyda, but you're quite too stunning to- night; isn't she, mother"
 "She does look pretty, but we must not turn this bright little head with too much fattery Remember it is only for one night" Mrs. Stuart answered, a little sadly.
 Tom wished that his own head were a trifie steadier. It had been aching most fearfully all day, but he would not say word to mar Lydas pleasure or to cause his mother any anxiety.
 He felt rewarded for the effort he had made when he saw how much Lyda enjoyed her novel experience and in listening to her bright com ments on the glttering panorama.
 Tom feared that dancing might tax his powers of endurance too far, and was wondering what excuse to make to Lyda, when hearty voice exclaim- ed: Why. if it isn't Tom Stuartw And a friend from their native land shook him vigorously by the hand.
 Lyda was soon gliding round with this friend of her childhood. She naive ly explained to him how they hap pened 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 to prepare for her home-going. When she emerged from the cloak room she expected to find Tom waiting for her, but he was nowhere to be seen, and