The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-01-15

l guided her to a chair, but insisted on
still supporting her as between US we ap-
piled the restoratives, and presently she
began somewhat indignantly to repudiate
our ministrattons.
Come, let us go home" she said, "I
am quite able to, now"
do you really feel better?" asked the
lady with her. "'There is quite a bruise
on your forehead. Now 1 do hope it will
be we'll for Lady Brancepeth's ball next
week"
"oh, yes, I'm sure it willy said Miss
Grahame hastily. Il feel all right now.
Thank you SO much" She added, turning
to the shop girl who stood somewhat tear
fully at her side.
The other lady looked severely in her d.
%rection.
1T has been a very narrow escape" she
said, "and if it had not been for this
young mans p~rovidential presence of
mind, such carelessness might have had
very serious results. My DEAR" she con-
tinued, turning to Miss Grahame, this
young man has saved you from a very
nasty accident, and been most helpful
too. We shall not forget you," she added
condescending to me.
Miss Grahame looked ~ me and
blushed, and 1 felt like blushing; too.
Pm sure I ought to thank you very
MUCH" she said, in an embarrassed but
wholly charming manner, while, as for
me. I was SO overcome by this direct
speech and look from her that I could
only bow awkwardly, and disclaina 'hav-
ing rendered any service that called for
thanks.
L escorted them to their carriage, and,
as they. drove away 1 distinctly heard the
old lady remark
"A very g~entlemanly young man. my
dear, quite a superior person!''
Then the irony Of the situation struck
men. and I could not help laughing as 1
returned to my duties. Well, 1 could af-
ford to laugh. for I knew at least one
ball that my divinity would grace, and
that was Lady Brancepeth's.
She was an old friend of my mothers
when they We're girls together, and I felt
sure If 1 ran through my correspondence
OF a month back I should find her invita-
ton among others, If not already de-
stroyed.
I soon discovered 1t, and lost no time in
resigning my position on the staff of
Messrs. Price and Hunters establishment,
as / felt that that episode in my life had
served its turn.
I awaited the night of the Brancepeth
ball with impotence, and over and over
again I wondered how she would receive
me-.
When I reached Lady Brancepeth's and
saw her surrounded by admirers, men of
every grade and fortune. my determine
ton to be loved for myself alone wavered,
l felt that to win her I could even stoop
to see my wealth as a lever, even If needs
be myself come to play the role of I'M
loved bridegroom.
When Guy Br%ancepeth, my college
chum, came up to me and patted me on
the back. and asked. Don't you want an
introduction to the belle Of the ball?, in
dicating Miss Grahame. glorious in the
white satin I had sold her my feelings
had become very mixed indeed, and I was
almost incapable of speech when, without
waiting for my answer, I found he had
transported me to her presence, and pro-
nounced the mystic formula over us
which eliminates in orthodox acquaint-
ance.
Yes, she recognized me, there was no
doubt about that. but IL she felt surprise
or annoyance she concealed them both
admirably. I could almost have thought