The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-04-27

her skirt from the Jet beads Of . ma
tron who shot angry glances over her
head, but made no attempt to assist
her. Indeed the glittering, armor-
like Jet suggested that self-help was
an imposslbility. II was some mo-
ments before the disentanglement was
effected, but the color contrast was go
effective and the young girl so winsome
and graceful that those who noticed the
mishap forbore to laugh--a high trib-
ute to artistic values.
That's Leslie Harlan" answered
Miss Chandler, following her compan-
ions glance. "She's pretty. don't you
Think"
Perfectly charming Will you in
troduce me?"
Certainly, but you'll nnd her better
to look at than to talk to. She's rather
a blue-stocking. and has IDEAS"
what, woman's suffrage and all
that?"
81 don't know exactly. but she's
something in those west side settle
ments, and Zelie told me that she in
spects factories and things"
"Whew! Well, I'd like her to in
spect me-"
"All right, only don't be so eager.
1t isn't polite. Is that Neil Croydon
she's dancing with?"
"Yes."
"You have a rival there-and a dan
gerous one too. Papa says he's one
of the smartest men in the street and
has made heaps of money. They say
he's head over heels in love with her"
rs she poor?"
| II think so. She always sits in the
gallery at the opera, and says it's bet
ter musically. But you know that's
what the Watson girls said after the
smash. One never reads Of Leslie
Harlan doing anything, SO I fancy
those top seats aren't first choice"
II Kennard had not overheard this
colloquy as he stood in the doorway,
II is possible he would have avoided
Miss Harlan. There was nothing In
the conversation to make him alter
any previous determination. but he
had as much reason for changing his
mind. as he had for being there at all.
He had declined Miss Harlan's invita-
ton, and had never called on her
since receiving It. Still. such is the in
consistency of man that he bought q
ticket and went to the Waldorf. prom
Using himself to keep in the back
ground and not speak to Leslie. unless
event seemed TO make II necessary. He
saw her again and again, but she
passed without noticing him; the few
people he knew did not recognize him.
and there was no reason why he should
not have remained an unobserved spec
tator all the evening. But as time
wore on, Kennard began to regret his
immunity and court discovery. It was
at this point that the conversation Of
Mr.. Belden and Miss Chandler seemed
to create the required necessity, and
acting on the impulse, Kennard crossed
the floor and hurriedly followed Miss
Harlan and Croydon as they walked
toward the reception rooms.
"Will you finish this waltz with
me-"
The girl turned quickly at the sound
Of his voice. II he had expected her
to show surprise, he was mistaken.
The only surprise was in Croyden's
face as the two men nodded.
Certainly. You will excuse me,
Mr.. Croyden?"
Neil bowed, and stood watching the
couple until they disappeared in the
crowd of dancers.
do you mind II We stop now?"
They had merely crossed the room
and were near the fringe of spectators
on the opposite side.
NO" she replied. laughingly, but
are you tired? You look as though
you had been overworked."
THAT isn't it," he answered. II
didn't really want to dance"
"Then why"
81 wanted to talk with you-or, to
be perfectly accurate. l wanted you to
talk to me-"
What about?"
"Oh, anything"
81 think you deserve a talking to.
What do you mean by coming here
| after declining an invitation on the
ground of previous engagement? !?
What became Of that previous engage
| ment?"
1T didn't exist"
1T didn't exist! Well, sir, after
that brutal announcement kindly take
me back to my chaperon. and leave m e
| there"
mo. have been frank. ! couldn't
accept your invitation when 1t came;
and tonight couldn't keep away"
She glanced at his face, her own
suddenly grown serious.
WAS your conscious troubling you?
II so, confession is good for the soul,
and the truly repentant may gain alb
solution"
They passed down the long flower
lined corridor and up few steps to an
alcove guarded by palm-trees AS the
girl seated herself in the wicker chair,
she looked up at him with a judicial
air.
Now proceed" she commanded.
This is the confessional or as near