The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-05-31
AT THE FANCY DRESS PARTY
BY J. pHILLPoT wITHAM.

BY J. PHILLPOT WITHAM. Copyright 1906. by Joseph B. Bowles.l
 Yes, they had quarreled-really quarreled this time He had called to see him. What had made her so perverse, Madge's big brown eyes brimmed over with tears.
 Now she could not go to Mrs. Ab- bott's fancy dress party. For she and Jack Cartwright were going together and had planned the costumes they should wear.
 After some indecision she resolved to go after all. She would persuade her cousin. Amy Slater, to exchange costumes with her. (Amy, she re- membered, had greatly admired her Gipsy gown.) And dressed in her cousins Girton costume, perhaps she might even dance with Jack, unknown to him.
 or take pen and ink was the work of moment; and after several at tempts a letter was produced, of which the following is an extract:
 - know you will do as I wish. dear Amy; and the Gipsy costume would suit you splendidly. I feel I simply cattont wear 1t now, after Jack and I have quarreled--you will under stand, won't you. dear? So If you could let me have your Girton cos tune in exchange, I should be ever so much obliged"
 To which a voluminous reply was received, the substance of which was: Certainly, dear"
 The night of the dance arrived in due course. But to two people, at least, the previous twenty-four hours seemed the longest they had ever, ever experienced The hall was in a blaze
 utt- AA fs. bet gay costumes made a veritabie kaleid- oscope of color.
 Madge, masked, and completel dis guised in her borrowed Girton cap and gown, entered with her aunt and cous- in, the latter wearing Madge's Gipsy Queen costume.
 Jack had planned to wear a Charles II. costume. She caughtSsight of him at once. Her heart beat wildly as the passed the Gipsy by. Had 1t gone so far as this? Was she nothing to Jack now?
 A tall Monk came towards them in the meantime and begged dance of Amy. Leaning lightly on the Monks arm her cousin joined the thron gof merry dancers. The next May I have the pleasure of this dance?" he said.
 The little Girton Girl whirled bliss fully round in the arms of the bril- liant Charles II. Was she not with her Jack. she said to herself. as she gave her companions arm just the least suspicion of a squeeze. And yet how cold he seemed. But how could he know who she was?
 Should she raise her mask? She decided she would not. At present it was sufficient to find herself again with him. even under these strange circum- stances. Perhaps he would detect her, even under her disguise.
 But the music came to close. and Charles II. calmly brought his part ner back to her friends, and resigned her to the Monk, who claimed her for the next dance.
 Would you rather sit this out?" suggested the Moonk. noticing his com panion's dejected air, and secretly re- 1oicing at her reply that she would much prefer to do so.
 For Madge all tbe joy had gone out of the evening. How she had hoped ognize her! She blushed even now at the thought of the encouraging words she had said to him, which he had parried with light laugh. Still if he had not recognized her, there was a certain amount of consolation in the fact that her Jack had not at. tempted to flirt with an unknown girl, She xrasped at that straw of comfort.
 The Monk led her to a cosy, se- cluded corner. and they seated them selves. Madge reused herself with an effort and looked at her companion.
 Miss Slater" he commencer, pull ing off his mask. Y have been seek ing fo~ an interview with you all the evening"
 Uko NNA r.rIrl at her companion. What did 1t all mean? She looked away to where Charles II. was dancing-indeed she had been following the gay figure with her eyes all the time-and again at the Monk.
 There could be no doubt about it. Jack was by her side Apparently she and Amy were not the only ones who had exchanged costumes
 But how dare Jack seek an appoint ment with Amy Slater! He had been looking for her the whole evening" had he! She clenched her hands hard. She would keep her identity secret and learn the extent of his villainy.
 What was Jack saying?
 -I have tried to see her several times, but all to no purpose; and this evening. unknown to her. we danced to- gether-she is dressed as q Gipsy Queen, you know"
 (Madges heart bounded as the Full truth dawned upon hero
 "But although I feel she must have me when l ventured to sneak a few words of love to her, continued her companion, she repulsed me coldly and abruptly left me"
 (Madge mentally begged her friends pardon for her recent unjust suspi- cions)
 And so knowing the costume you 1yare 10 appear in tonight" contin- ned the Monk, with delightful inno cence, "I resolved to seek you out and ask for your hedlp in the matter, as you are such friend Of Madge's."
 You know I love her" (Madge sighed rapturously) And am sure the little girl loves me" C'She does" said Madge. sotto voce) You will help me in this matter, won't you? And will nardon me for asking this of your"
 He waited anxiously for her reply.
 She temporised.
 Are YOU sure you really love herr" she said. with a degree of feeling fin her voice which surprised her com
 Love her." said Jack. vehemently. In a voice full of emotion which he tried Tn vain to repress. You cant know what 1t means to me to see her iancing with that confounded Grena- dier over therew Then. hesitatingly: And do you thing-do you think that she cares for me?'
 T think she does" said the Girton Girl. as she lifted her mask
 "Madge" said Jack