The Union Republican., 1904-10-21

| muslin
"Drabl 1t was a lovely pearl
colored; and this isn't muslin; it's
dinity. But it is gray, she concluded
pleased, no doubt, at his tangled
memory.
Prescott laughed. IA man cam t
be expected to match colors; but l
still swear that you are twenty.
Comel"
She arose reluctantly and went
out with him into the hall as the
orchestra began to play again.
"Our waltz" Prescott exclaim-
ed, and the next moment they were
a part ofthe dreamily moving mass.
Her eyes were downcast, but his
rested with open satisfaction upon
her face.
1t certainly showed no signs Of
age. She was little paler, perhaps;
the corners of the mouth had a
slight downward droop; the
thoughtful lines had deepened here
and there; the grace of maturity
had replaced the promise of girl
hood. But Prescott did not notice
details. He was chiefly concious OF
the fact that she was waltziDg
with him and that he was ecstati-
cally happy. A sudden mad deter
alton had seized him. He would
live his Class Day evening over
again--live it as he pleased.
As the music ceased they paused
at last, and the young woman ven
tured to glance up at her partner
Her face was flushed with the ex.
ercise and her eyes were merry.
II thought I had forgotte L
how" she said, somewhat breath
lessly.
Forgotten at twenty' he re.
piled, glad of the chance to look in
her eyes, but they fell suddenly be-
fore his glance.
!, "Let us go out in the yard" he
said; "where is your wrap"
"Oh, l mustn't, " said his com
panion quickly. Nell will be look.
ing for me.
I told her l would stay there in
the corridor. Let us go back"
Prescott frowned. Isn't there
some kindly chaperon to whom
. you can turn over your dutiesH
he asked. "There must be.
His manner was compelling, and
the girl who had spoiled his Class
Day ten years before seemed unable
to resist the appeal. She at last be.
thought her of comfortable matror
who with a cheerful resignation
was sitting at the end of the hall
Awaiting the pleasure of three fair
daughters, and to her she gave
over the charge of the popular Nell.
One girl, more or less to wait for
made little difference, and the ladv
nodded cordially with a sidelong
glance at Miss Richards com
manding partner.
mot that it matters much" Mil
dred said, as they moved away. II
haven't seen Nell for an hour, and
perhaps l shall not until it is time
to go"
Outside the building, Prescott
drew her arm through his. "I
observe that the girl of to-day pre-
fers to walk alone" he remarked,
"but this isn't to-day, and l don't
want to lose you in the crowd"
The moon had arisen to crown
the festival, and its soft light
beamed gently through the tall
elms.
For the first time the young
woman turned her gaze to her
companions face and studied it
gravely. He knew that she was
looking at him and was happy in
the thought, and he did not shrink
from the quiet scrutiny. 1t was
certainly her right. He wondered
if she found him greatly changed.
He believed that he was getting
little gray about the temples, and
doubtless his face had lost its boy
ish good looks but he breathed
quick prayer of gratitude that at
least she need read nothing base
there. Strange that she had asked
no question as to the years since he
had seen her last 1t never occur
red TO him that she had. perhaps,
kept more closely in touch with his
life than he had with her.
well ? he said, at last, smiling
happily down upon her, "are you
ready TO pass judgement upon the
prodical ~
Don't she cried softly, 81
never thought that you know l
didn't t.
"'Is it all right ?" he asked.
"Will you play with me, as the
children say You-pardon me,
but you played against me OIL that
other Glass Day, you know. Will
you pay up now by making this