Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1904-04-28
Cupid, Brass Buttons and
a Game Of Hearts.
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BY ADELE

ll 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 detachment of
yards of chiffon ruffling from its
foundation, producing thereby ruffling
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 Characterization 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. T%rentshaw 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
III Of the best dancers in the acad-
envy, 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.
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 IN celebrating two-step.
Elizabeth, somewhat fatigued, deter
mined to rest.
Come, Miss Magruder, l spy in a
distant corne a 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 da.ntiest little
feet in the world in their satin en-
easement.
Are you so very tired? l fear 1t
was my clumsiness throughout the
dance which has caused you to be so
weary. However, | beg you to be
lenient, and pardon my awk%wardness,
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 a flattering intonation of
voice.
You are too amiable, Miss Magru-
der, and the charitable spirit which
prompts ouch speech must be 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?"
J. That | 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-
Iarture 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 CHATTER
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.
T%rentshaw, first at one social func-
ton, then at another, and a feeling
of intense interest had arisen between
them. Engagements were made for
Afternoon %strolls, where, amid the