New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1906-12-26
Spicy Belle
BY
CAMPBELL MACLEOD
Copyright, 1906, by N. NJ. Cunningham
CAMPBELL MACLEOD
Copyright, 1906, by N. NJ. cunningham

Farnsworth, the hero of Mrs. elders
reception, was nowhere in sight. The
lady in question was putting her way
through the crowded parlors in search
of him.
1t was half past 10 o'clock, and the
reception was in full blast, but Farms
worth had suddenly disappeared The
hostess was asking if anybody had
seen him.
Half an hour earlier the lion of the
function had found himself alone A
debutante who lisped had reduced him
to state of cold perspiration. He had
started recklessly down the hall. A
door had stood invitingly open. He
had walked in, hoping it gave on a
porch. 1t had proved quite the most
attractive spot he had seen since he
had left the jungles Of South America
month ago and had found himself IA
nous as the author of a book on "Un-
known Amazon Lands"
This room was green and cool. A
bank of palms concealed piano. Be-
hind the piano was an open window
Here he could indulge in a cigarette
Good! AS he scratched the match a
faint exclamation of surprise from the
far corner drew his attention in that
direction. A young girl was observ-
ing him with calm amusement.
II beg your pardon" he began, throw
ing away the cigarette. II didn't mean
to intrude.''
Don't mind me-" she begged. "Were
you running away"
"I'm afraid so,' guiltily and glanc-
ing furtively at her.
She was very young person, almost
child. Her dress was faint pink, and
she idly thrummed the banjo in her
lap. He realized that she was exceed
ingly good to look upon.
won't you sit DOWN." she invited.
motioning to the seat beside her
"Why are you hiding here?'' he de-
handed you aren't afraid Of them,
are you?"
"I'm not one of the guests" cheer
fully. I'm an entertainer. The time
appointed for my stunt" holding up
the banjo, 'hasn't arrived yet"
II see. refectively But what are
you doing here alone?"
1T was cool and unoccupied, and i
slipped in, maybe for the same reason
that you did"
eff l won't disturb your practicing,
may l stay?' he surprised himself by
asking. MY name is Farnsworth."
"Oh,'' she gasped, pointing to the
door, ''it's your reception, given for
you. Of course you can't stay!" again
pointing to the door.
but | mean to stay very deter
minedly Il didn't catch your name"
The girl laughed deliciously.
"Spicy Belle Browning. What are
you laughing at? Though people gen.
orally do laugh" .
1T is rather startling name," he
admitted. 81 don't think L ever heard
it before
"My old nanny named me. NV
mother died when I was born The
Spicy part was after the pinks in the
garden. And we had an old COW nam
ed Belle-maybe that's where that part
came from. Grandmother was too
heartbroken to care what they called
me-"
She was tapping her pink shod foot
to the strains OF the distant music.
Let me see, you've been away, haven t
your Her finger tapped her forehead
in an effort to remember. what was
it you did,"
Nothing Of any consequence he re-
turned lightly. Sing to me- won't
you?"
The girl caressed the banjo with low
ing fingers.
you'd like the old songs" she an
nounced suddenly. II don't sing them
for many"
She began in voice like red roses,
too low to escape the walls of the tiny
room. singing something about Juanita
and waking from a dream too soon.
BE my own fair BRIDE the soft voice
trailed-and stopped suddenly.
Mrs. Gilder!' she gasped. "Thev
dOu huo" w ueTe / am. Maybe IL S
my turnw
I'll help you find her" He rose,
and together they made their way
down the long crowded hail. Mrs.
Glider fairly gobbled up the disappear
ing hero. She listened vaguely when
he began his apologies and turned with
a trif1e more consideration to the girl
who stood at his elbow Farnsworth
was more interested apparently in find
ing out when this young PERSONS turn
came than he had been in all the bril-
liant conversation fred at him during
the earlier part of the evening.
She'll have time to dance with me
one time before she goes on, won't
she?" he begged.
Until they reached the ballroom door
he forgot that he hadn't danced in ten
years.
This is a beastly thing to thrust on
you" he said. II have not danced since
since you were an infant. You I'M
derstand. it was my only chance to get