Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-02-19

later.
Turning to Stella, Kane asked to
see her dance-card, saying
my duties will not permit me to
be selfish, but claim the first waltz"
She handed him the enameled
pasteboard, and while he was pencil
ing his Initials thereon the girl mur-
INJURED in significant tones that none
other could hear
"Be on your best behavior tonight.
SIR flashing him a dazzling smile
across her snowy shoulder as she was
led away.
Kane sent her an answering look,
and breathed more freely. The fact
roof seemed good omen, and argued
no opposition to his suit.
For the first time in many days his
inner mood nghtened. All might yet
go well, and he resumed his task of
welcoming the remaining guests with
almost boyish vim and abandon.
After all, the ball would be a per-
sonal triumph, as he had at first in
tended. with his afiianced bride as
its chief ornament and attraction for
him
That waltz with Stella Dysart, he
told himself, the soft perfume of her
hair floating upward like blessed in
cense. was worth periling a mans
soul for. The while he held her in
his arms he vowed to himself that he
would go through the fires of perdition
rather than give her up. Yet even at
the thought there came to him the
dread query, like grinning demon
in the midst of q feast. What
would she say or do II she knew the
TRUTH But he wilfully drove the
thing away, and resolved, for that mo-
ment at least. to drink the cup of hap
ptness to the last drop
AS ne led her to cool corner after
the final crashing bars OF the music
he murmured:
Il shall call upon Sir Arthur in
the morning, dearest. You can guess
why"
Il will tell him to expect you," she
said, lifting her eyes braYely to his.
the love-light shining in their star
like depths,
will your brothers be likely to
make any objections, do you think?"
ne inquired, the slight tremor of
anxiety in his voice seeming perfectly
natural to the girls quick perception.
Il think Sir Arthur will be glad to
get me off his hands," she said rogu-
ishly. 'As for Rick, why, he does not
know you very we'll, you see, and he
must take my word for it that you are
perfectly eligible, of legal age, and
sound mind!"
I'm not so sure about that last -
he responded, catching at her gay hu-
NOR, and answering in kind when
a man is bewitched. you know
The rest of the sentence was unfin-
lshed, for at that moment Stella was
claimed for the next dance, and Kane
saw her no more until supper was
served, when he had expressly re-
served the privilege of taking her in,
and she sat on his right hand with
Richard on his left
By all rules of social precedence
these places of honor belonged to
others. but at the last moment Kane
gave orders which resulted in the ar
rangement named The evening had
begun and continued auspicieusly,
and with his customary cool hardi-
hood he resolved to then and there
test to the utmost the possibility of
Richards recognizing him.
During the repast the talk naturally
drifted to the Cape. Nearly everyone
knew that Rick had just returned
thence, and he was kept busy answer
ing questions as to his adventures, so
that Kane was spared the necessity of
originating or replying to any direct
inquiries. but by judicious remark
here and there he showed his knowl-
edge of the subjects touched on, nor
seemed to manifest the slightest de-
sire for concealment.
Every word he uttered had for it's
Interior object the creating of favor
able impression upon Richard Dysart,
but it was ali done with such con-
summate tact that the younger and
buffer man was completely captivated
by the elder, as was proved when. on
kissing Stella goodnight, after their
drive home, he said
well, Sis, your Rossiter Kane
seems to be trump!"
Thank you, Rick" was her reply.
81 just knew you would like him!"
and, covered with happy bushes, she
disappeared.
So the ball was an unqualified sue
cess. and the star of Rossiter Kane was
in the ascendant house.
sAt noon the next day he cantered
up to the entrance of Denecroft and
inquired for Sir Arthur Dysart On
being ushered into the library he
found the baronet alone and apparent
ly expectant. for. true to her promise,
Stella bad expressly asked her elder
brother to remain at home that
"Eh-eh-what's in the wind now.
Stellar the baronst inquired. looking
up from his letters. and blinking near
at his sister. more sur
prises?'
Stelfa to eoS,eaai hAP amhafrnas.