The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-02-22

He odd and laughed. ITS not to-
wondered at" he said. Jack Nugent'!
engaged-I knew 1t some time ago-but
believe he has just taken poor Mrs Win
gate into his confidence. and az tho young
lady In question is certainly not Miss Emily
there's a ca1dron of wrath for you"
WHO is the girl?"
ut isn't out yet. Jacks to give a large
ball on the Goth. when she is to be formally
presented to society"
Yes. I've been attending to it for
weeks" said Mrs. Truesdale, bitterly. 81
ought to know about It,"
John opened his lips as II to speak; then
closed them as suddenly. with an embar-
raised air. At last he blurted out:
See here. Elsie. I've been a fool, but up
on my life I couldn't help It. When Jack
told me of his engagement-I-I up and
told about mine. I'm as proud Of it as he
Is. so don't be angry. dear"
"Did-did you tell him my Manner asket
Elsie.
why not? 1t conveys n~othing-he's mont
the wiser for that. but I hate to have
my happiness such a dead secret"
And what did he say" she asked. try
ing to be severe. though her heart would
dance with pride in her John.
He said, Bring her along on the 10th
and We'll celebrate together and when 1
mentioned that you had an incumbrance in
the shape Of a mother he laughed and said,
Bring her. too and he sent the invitations
ahead by me-"
That was very nice Of him." said Mrs.
Truesdale. approvingly.
What will cousin Margaret say?'' asked
Elsie. with a little gasp.
John did not answer-he was rummaging
In his overcoat for the invitations.
"Ah. here they are! Crumpled. of course,
but the Genuine article. Will you go?'
"Of course We will. I'm really anxious to
n~aaf him hnf Ngo--o-S - Xln%
efectually."
There's no longer any necessity for
vigilance; probably she'll be quite gra-
cious."
AT the same time I'm not going to tell
her were invited said Mrs. Truesdale; at
might spoil everything, and 1 want my
girl to look her prettiest."
so do l." said John, heartily.
On the night of the ball Elsie was wildly
excited She had never been to a real ball:
she had been to country dances and church
fairs and "sociab!es." but the sight of the
flmy white gown spread out on the bed
went to her head like wine. John had
promised her pink roses. and Mrs. Trues-
dale finished off her own tasteful costume of
black lace with his gift of violets. and when
they were ready at last John had a car
rage waiting for them at the side en-
trance and they were driven In state to
the front door.
A<lSlCs "ICu VIC
might have slipped into the ballroom I'M
noticed. know a splendid way through the
house You're an extravagant boy; car
riages are at a premium in such a crowd
as this Mr.. Nugent must know everybody
Under the SUM-"
Or the moon or the stars said John.
laughing. W may have to sit here in
our carriage for half an hour while we wait
our turn. Your cousin. l believe. invited
the Five Hundred. Nugent only knows a
few of them, poor chap. He's got to have
his hand jerked off before the evening is
over: not the ordinary hand-shake. you
know. that languid How dye do that So
ciety affects. but the genuine grip of con-
gratulation-it hurts"
And the disappointed mammas would
rather be wringing his neck" said Mrs.
MRS. Truesdale''-John's tone was reprov- !
ing, though his eyes were full of fun
are very worldly, and for my pro-
mother-in-law that's a bad trait.
Here we are. Look out for the step. Elsie,
take my arm"
Elsie felt very strange and shy as they
passed Under the awning which inclosed the |
doors Of the mansion. She glanced
timidly at John's tall figure. which seemed
to straighten itself into added dignity. He
drew her hand tightly through his arm, and |
she could feel his heart beating.
There were cordial greetings as they |
passed through the crowded vestibule. but
John seemed to ave no othe. thought thai
to land her safely at the foot of the broad
stairway, up which she ioated with her
while he waited for her below.
She did not keep him long, and there
vas q little murmur or admiration in the