The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-05-06
Cupid, Brass Buttons and
a Game Of Hearts.
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BY ADELE VINCENT.

+ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS sssstsss.:.ss.ss:.:.: I
= BY ADELE VINCENT +
AIRS. DURANT WICKLOW was al.
Nl ways the center Of q group OF
social aspirants, anxious to catch
glance of recognition or a word of
commentator, upon which the syco-
phantic element Of the world Of frivol-
ity 80 eagerly depends.
After much elbowing and pushing,
which resulted in the detachment of
yards of chiffon ruE1ing from its
foundation, producing thereby rufatng
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
sh6uldered 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 commonplace which fol-
low the formalities of an Introduction
Capt. Trentshaw bowed most pro-
foundry 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 dreamy waltz.
While at West Point Capt. Trent
shaw acquired the reputation of being
one of the best dancers in the acad-
emy, and after his graduation and en-
trance into the social realm he con-
tinued to sustain the former reputa-
ton. In fact, it became a recognized
fact of which his brother officers were
fully aware, and which provoked a
suspicion of jealousy within the hearts
of many.
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 celebrating two-step,
Elizabeth, somewhat fatigued, deter
mined to rest.
Come, Miss Magruder, spy in a
distant corner most comfortable sofa
offering an inviting promise of rest"
With sigh of qualification Elizabeth
seated herself, gracefully arranging
thu folds of her gown. and displaying
durins>the process the daintiest little
feet In thu Worlu in-tf1otr~ SATIN ou-
easement.
Are you SO very tired? fear it
was my clumsiness throughout the
dance which has caused you to be so
weary. However, l beg you to be
lenient, and pardon my awkwardness,
for lack Of practice, you know, will
always show itself, and particularly
so in dancing"
Nov, Capt. Trentshaw, are you in
earnest when you plead for forgive
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 he respon-
sible for many a 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
Trentshaw?"
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"-with a
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
horses as carriage after carriage drew
Up at the door.
That night, and often afterward,
Elizabeth was destined to meet Capt.
Trentshaw, first at one social func-
lion, then at another, and 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 most congenial
and agreeable companion.
But how-how could he tell her?
Would she not think she had been the
dupe of his receptions? And-and
suppose she cared half as much as he
did? But he must Danish all such
ibilities-be man-make clean
hroast Of it-and rot,rn IN Eleanor