Mower County transcript., 1904-01-13

TO SEE HER DANCE CARD.
bearded wayfarer of the Karroo
Desert
The two men gripped hands in the
hearty English fashion, and each
looked the other squarely in the face.
The first keen glance was what Kane
feared most, but in the steady gaze
OF Richard there was naught save the
utmost courtesy.
KAne's heart leaped. He was safe,
at least TO: the present. But there
was an expression of studied interest
in Richards glance as they exchanged
a few commonplaces, as though ask
ing what manner of man is this 2"
which was to be explained a moment
later.
Turning to Stella, Kane asked to
see her dance-card, saying
my duties will not permit. me to
be selfish, but I claim the:;frst waltz"
She handed him the &enameled
pastebOard, and while he was pencil
ing his initials thereon the girl MUIR
INJURED in significant tones that none
other could hear
*tBe on your best behavior tonight.
SIR" flashing him dazzling smile
across her snowy shoulder as she was
led away.
Kane sent her an answering look,
and breathed more freely. The fact
that the brothers were both under his
roof seemed a good omen, and argued
no opposition to his suit.
For the first time in many days his
inner mood lightened. All might yet
go we'll, and he resumed his task of
welcoming the remaining guests with
almost boyish vim and abandon.
After all, the ball would be per-
sonal triumph, as he had at first in
tended, with his afianced bride as
it's chief ornament and attraction for
him.
That waltz with Stella Dysart. he
told himself, the soft perfume of her
hair floating upward like blessed in
cense, was worth periling a mans
soul for. The while he held her in
his arms he vowed to himself that he
would go through the fires of perdition
rather than give her up. Yet even at
the thought there came to him the
dread query, like a grinning demon
in the midst of feast, "What
would she say or do if she knew the
truth?" But he wilfully. drove the
thing away, and resolved, for that mo.
ment at least, to drink the cup Of hap.
! piness to the last drop.
AS ne led her to a cool corner after
the final crashing bars of the music
he murmured:
II shall call upon Sir Arthur in
the morning, dearest. You can guess
why
Il will tell him to expect you." she
said, lifting her eyes bravely to his
the love-light shining in their star.
like depths. -
! will your brothers be likely tt
make any objections, do you think?'
he inquired, the slight tremor Of
anxiety in his voice seeming perfectl,
natural to the girls quick perception
i think Sir Arthur will be glad te
get me Off his hands," she said rogu
lshly' LAS for Rick, Why he does no
know you very we'll, you see, and h,
must take my word for it that you art
perfectly eligible, of legal age, anf
sound mind!'' - =.
I'm not so sure about that last.
ne responded, catching at her CAV hui
NOR, and answering in kind. s.Whe,
a man is bewitched, you know
The rest of the sentence was untin
lshed, Tor at that moment Stella wa;
claimed for the next dance, and Kan,
saw her no more until supper wa,
served, when he had expressly re
served the privilege of taking her IN
and she sat on his right hand Will
Richard on his left.
BY all rules Of social precedence
these places Of honor belonged {,
/ Others, but ct the last moment Kan,
save orders which resulted IA the 81
/ r1ngement. named The evening Is,