The Sauk Centre herald., 1904-05-05
BY ADELE VINCENT.
MRS. DURANT WICKLOW was al
::::.:::::::::.t.::..::;s:...:. :::::...,t:t;.

MRS. DURANT WICKLOW was al
IW ways the center of a group OF
social aspirants, anxious to catch a
glance of recognition or a word of
commendation, upon which the syco-
phantic element of the world of frivol-
ity SO eagerly depends.
After much elbowing and pushing,
which resulted in the detach hment OF
yards of chiffon ruffiing from its
foundation, producing thereby ruf1ing
effects upon the temper Of the young
lady in question, Elizabeth Magruder,
upon the arm of her escort, made her
way into the circle of which Mrs.
Wicklow was the object of attraction.
To the left of her Elizabeth was
aware of the presence of a tall, broad
shouldered man of unusual bearing,
wearing the insignia in rank of cap
tain in the United States army.
oh! pardon my thoughtlessness,
my dear Elizabeth-allow me to pre-
sent to you my cousin, Capt. Trent
shaw" said Mrs. Wicklow. After an
exchange of commonplaces which fol-
low the formalities of an introduction
Capt. Trentshaw bowed most pro-
foundly and requested the honor OF
the next dance. To this proposition
Elizabeth smilingly agreed, and soon
they were carried by the tide of dane
ers into the ballroom, and were drift
ing slowly and smoothly along to the
delightful strains of a dreamy waltz.
While at West Point Capt. Trent
shaw acquired the reputation of being
one of the best dancers in the acad-
cmy, and after his graduation and en-
trance into the social realm he con-
tinued to sustain the former reputa-
ton. In fact, it became recognized
fact of which his brother officers were
fully aware, and which provoked
suspicion of jealousy within the hearts
of many.
Little can we cenSure Elizabeth if
she not only encouraged the attentions
Of Capt. Trentshaw, but displayed de-
cided interest and friendliness in this
gallant-looking soldier. After the con-
clusion of an exhilarating two-step,
Elizabeth, somewhat fatigued, deter
mined to rest.
Come, Miss Magruder, l spy in a
distant corner most comfortable sofa
offering an inviting promise of rest"
With a sigh of qualification Elizabeth
seated herself, gracefully arranging
the folds of her gown, and displaying
during the process the daintiest little
feet in the world in their satin en-
easement.
Are you SO very tired? I fear it
was my clumsiness throughout the
dance which has caused you to be so
lenient, and pardon my awkwardness,
for lack of practice, you know, will
always show itself, and particularly
so in dancing"
Now, Capt. Trentshaw, are you in
earnest when you plead for forgive
ness with so feeble a cause?" this with
an expression of amusement, accom-
panied by flattering intonation OF
voice.
You are too amiable, Miss Magru-
der, and the charitable spirit which
prompts such speech must be respon-
sible for many kind deed"
Elizabeth changed the subject to one
less personal:
How long do you expect to stay
here, the guest of your very beauti-
full and fascinating cousin, Capt
rrentshaw?"
That l cannot definitely answer
now, for orders from Washington may
arrive at any time, changing my plans
sincerely trust, however, no such in
terruption will occur to end the pleas
ures am now experiencing q
meaning look toward Elizabth. The
tete-a-tete was becoming more and
more interesting when the little
winged messenger of time succeeded
in convincing his stubborn little
friend. Cupid, that the hour of de-
rarture was at hand, and the merry
chatter of girls could be heard, as soft
wraps were being thrown around their
fair young shoulders, and the clatter
and stamping Of the hoofs of impatient
oorses as carriage after carriage drew
Up at the door. a%N =
That night, and often afterward,
elizabeth was destined to meet Capt.
Trentshaw, first at one social func-
Ion, then at another, and a feeling
of intense interest had arisen between
hem. Engagements were made for
afternoon strolls, where, amid the
beauties Of natures garb, condolences
were exchanged.
This friendship Horace Trentshaw
valued highly, for Elizabeth, besides
her physical charms, possessed mental
qualities which made a most congenial
and agreeable companion.
But how-how could he tell her (?
Would she not think she had been the
dupe of his deceptions? And-and
suppose she cared half as much as he
did? But he must Danish all such
possibilities-be man-make a clean
breast of it-and return to Eleanor.
his cold, uncongenial wife, ten years
older than himself, by whom he had
been inveigled into marriage, just aft
er his graduation from the academy.
For while their marriage had been
reasonably peaceful; but this state
proved transient, for they were in
herently uncongenial and after a wear