Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1905-02-16


How distinctly you remember. l
never had daughter. This is Miss
Dalton. You want to be introduced,
suppose. This isn't my first county
ball, Mr.. vavasour."
at shan't be my last, my dear
madam" says the immoyable Vane,
If this be fair specimen"
my dear" says Mrs. Godfrey Tur-
ner, ignoring this too palpable fattery,
"have you a dance left? If not, do
not let us keep Mr. Vavasour."
May flashes a would-be indifference
at the handsome stranger, then con
suits the card for some minutes, but
there is something in the quiet, Ian
guild. reverential patience which con
quers her.
Eyes, this dance is open," she says
reluctantly.
"Then, pray, let me secure It," says
Vane anxiously.
And before May knows where she is
they are whirling round in waltz.
| One OF the few-Very few-accom-
UllSDHeHIS WHlCH way udo "SI plCh-
ed UPS that OF dancing. Some girls
dance with their feet only, and while
they are describing the intricate fig
ures Of the trois temp with their toes,
keep their bodies as stiff as a wax
figure; but May Is not one of these.
All that there is Of her Is in harmony
and sympathy with the music, and the
supple figure which Vane Vavasour's
arm encircles, Is an 1.-the and full OF
life as a Nautch girls.
A thrill OF pleasure distinct as any
that the exquisite has experienced for
many day, goes through him as he
recognizes this fact, and half in
audible "By Jove" OF satisfaction and
surprise escapes his clear-cut lips.
What did you say?" May asks.
Il said you danced beautifully" he
answered promptly.
II didn't think you said all that,
she retorts naively. "But | thank you
all the same"
cts the TRUTH" he rejoins emphati.
cally. 81 do hope" he adds, with an
earnestness that surprises himself
that have got your step, Is 1t too
fast--too slow?"
1t Is perfect but May is not to be
conclllated.
"A little fast" she says coolly, and
Vano slackens speed.
Such dancing Is so uncommon a
spectacle at the county ball that few
Of the couples, who, red and perspir-
ing, have been figuring with the ordi-
nary awkwardness, drop off and stand
watching with mingled admiration and
envy. For time attention Is even
drawn from the rare spectacle Of a
professional beauty and presently
there are only three or four couples
occupying the floor besides Vane and
May.
Suddenly May, whose soul Is In her
work. awakes to sense OF the atten-
ton they are attracting, and with a
swift food of crimson stops abruptly.
as anything the matter?" asks Vane
dlsmayed. Anybody trod on your
dress? Don't say you are tired, Miss
Dalton"
Thanks think will sit down
now" says May coldly, and just lays
the tips of her fingers on his black
coat
"That was n waltz" murmurs Vane,
with almost solemn gravity. would
you be so kind as to see If you have
another open, Miss Dalton?"
I'll am sure | have not And
there is Mrs. Turner-thank you" and
with the faintest Of bows she slips
from his side.
Vane Vavasour, the handsomest
man OF his day." stands stricken mo-
tionless for fun half minute Can
It be possible that he has been snub.
bed by n pert little nobody at rough
andtumble county ball? 1t Is hard
to believe, but he realizes 1t at last
and with an expression OF woeful dis
may that Is indescribably humorous
wanders back to his friends.
Miss Vavasour Is just preparing for
the next dance, Lady Letchford Is sur
rounded by party OF dowagers. They
are talking and smiling and discussing
the ever-moying multitude. Sir Heron
alone seems, though present in body
absent in spirit, and with his bach
turned DO the hustle and work.
stands talking to an old gentleman
talking on politics OF all things in the
world!
But he looks up as Vane approaches
with his sorrowful face, and smiles, az
one would smile at AN exhibition o
pettishneSs In n child.
What's the matter, sprainet
your ankle?"
WORSE" is the grave response
discovered the best dancer in The
room--in the room, in the whole coun
ty,-and been snubbed by her.
Sir Heron smiles,
You can soon console yourself" h,
says. and turns to the old gentlemal
again but Vane is not to be pu
aside