Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-12-05

SduI party, lOOkluS 1T Tie SttlIle Liluc
at a lady who had just entered the
room.
Eyes; she is absolutely poor-no for
tune whatever, though l believe her
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
catch at ALL And Philip Starr turned
again to look at Il 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.
II incline to Think" said he. that
she is an attractive woman. Starr; but
do introduce me; then l will be better
abe to judge Of her attributes"
"Wait q spell. Sid; it will not do to
have the lion of the evening fall UNI
der Miss Rays magnetism before he
is introduced to some other bellies"
'Oh, then she is magnetic? imag-
ined so from her repose of manner and
serene expression of countenance. But
come, I must know her."
Under protest, then" lauShingly re-
piled his friend. But wait till l ask
her permission; she is arbitrary, and
you will find her excessively prudish."
For which I shall like her all the
BETTER" was Sidney Mason's reply.
Miss Ray, an old friend Of mine
and a stranger in New York society.
greatly desires an Introduction. May
I present him?'
IF he is charitable enough to excuse
my shortcomings. 1 an not very So
cable this evening. and am feeling
just now quite willing to be enter
tanned if 10 like recompense is de-
named"
'Then I will present him. lie is 4
noble man, and anxious to know yCC.
You will find him agreeable.'
Bring him Ly all Means she add
ed, and before TIE sentence was fin
ished the young man had touched his
friend and spoken the Introductory
words that made the two strangers
TO longer, but friends at once.
Size was an animated tallier, as well
as 4 careful listener, and was singu-
larly gifted with that rarest of all gifts
in Woman-a cultivated and beauti-
full voice. Sidney Mason was too gem
uine all admircr OF beauty to lose any
of its tone. and he listened to her and
observed Ter as only man greatly
charmed can.
When the music began and the dane
ers flied the space about them. the two
retreated to the 1i.c..ary, 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, Madalinc," he exclaimed;
''how lively you arc tonight, and how
glad I am. VIII you make me ac-
quainted With your companion:"
"Mr. Mason, Uncle Ray-Mr. Starts
friend. I know he is glad You have
come to share his exile. 1 had quite
overlooked the fact that the room was
deserted; and perhaps Mr.. Mason
would like to be enjoying the dane
hg"
"A1r. Mason is very happy where he
Is, Miss Ray" said that gentleman,
bowling; land, as for dancing, l gave
it up when 1 ceased to be 4 YOUTH
"Wcll, You two can shake hands
there, Sir" said Mr.. Ray; 'Madaiine
will not dance at all, unless in some
children's affair at home, where she
can OUTRAGE and outrun all tie young
6ters.''
stop, uncle. MI. Mason has heard
enough Of ny weaknesses already. lie
is Mr.. Stairs friend. and you know
Mr.. Starr is not inclined to ovcresti-
nate your niece"
There was tone of bitterness in
this unlocked for speech, which sur
prised both gentlemen. The speaker
herself seerled 70 notice their Cmbar-
rassment, and quickly added:
pray, pardon ne, both of you; did
uOL lAIC1IO " NC pN4 oOAluI, OuL l ONSA
heard Mr.. Starr aporisins a gentleman
Of ny financial prospects tonight, and
said report Gid you moro credit, uncle,
than it did my bank account. Low
ever, we will PASS it over since Mr..
Starr is so honest as to lie above sus-
piciol il his pursuit OF money"
Some one elsc's money, you mean,
Madge. Eut never mind, girls. we will
not have Mr.. Mason believe us unciv-
II, and Mr.. Starr is to be pardoncd, not
condemned, if he has 70 other appre-
citation OF you than the amount of
your taxable property"
Mr.. MaSon's face waS study. He
Ead heard his friend use the same Ian
guage himself concerning his fair
young acquaintance, and be could not
ju -ify him. lie only felt confused
and sadly III want Of something TO say
that would convince her OF his own
sentiments. Eut she gave him TO time
to frame words. Putting out her hand
to him in token of goodbye. she ex-
pressed the hope OF a pleasant even
ing for him, and taking her uncle $
arm, joined the throng in the hail. Nor
did he have an opportunity OF again
talking with her alone during the even
ing. She WAS surrounded by admirers,
and there was TO cessation of atten-
ton toward her until the carriage was
ordered and she was saying her
adieux.
AS she gathered her ermine mantle
about her shoulders, and left the cloak
room, sigh of WEAKNESS escaped
him. Looking up. she saw Mr.. Mason