Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-04

tongue. Patting him cordially on the shoul- der. the Spaniard said: Excuse my reminding you, sir; it is especially un- wise of me to trouble one who can be of such service to me-"
 At the suave manner of his creditor the youth took courage. Service to you? How?"
 You will be at the dance tomorrow night? You will bring your sister. Miss lavender"
 A light flashed on Gerald's mind. Lavender? I don't believe she in- tended coming, but T."
 He paused, and Gonzaga assisted him with telling emphasis. But you. per- haps, can arrange it? You will try?"
 Certainly if you-if she-perhaps she would enjoy 1t, stammered Gerald. T will try to bring her with me-"
 Do so, and-worry no more about that other little matter"
 So it was that Gerald had urged Lavender to go to the party. He had assured her that it was her duty to mingle more with these honest village folk, and his sister, nothing 10th, prom ised.
 And to the merry-making she mad come, looking, in her best holiday at tire, like bit of Dresden china in this homely collection of pottery.
 In the game of King William. the Spaniard chose Lavender from the cir- cle, and together they stepped to the center. Around them. joining hands, swung the romping crowd.
 Down on this carpet you must kneel, As sure as grass grows in the field; Salute your bride and kiss her sweet. Now you may rise upon your feet" .
 The precedent had been established blushing cheeks had been lifted, pretty lips raised to the rough and bristling faces whose resounding smacks echoed to shouts of laughter. Or, rumpred frocks and tousled hair were the .f- fects of resistance which, If sometimes made, was faint-hearted, and only bit of coquetry adding flavor to the final forfeit.
 Therefore, when Lavender and the Spaniard held the attention, there was flutter of suspense, of eager curiosity on the part of the onlookers. How would this dainty maid behave? Or how this foreigner, who was evidently . suitor?
 Gonzaga knelt beside her, handsomer than ever in this romantic situation, with the red blood mantling through the olive skin. He was straight and long-limbed. with the strain of the cavaliers in his naughty beauty.
 And. dropping little under his ex- pressive gaze, Lavender hummed the tune half to herself, her heels clicking the floor in time to the violin. But at the words: :. Salute your bride and kiss her sweet,"i she raised her eyes to his with a proud denial. An instant the man hesitated, then, obedient to her unspoken com mand, he helped her to rise. As she was lowing to rejoin the circle, he caught her hand in warm pressure and held it to. his lips. A murmur of laughter greeted this, which the more favored youths present regarded as a signal defeat.
 When the game was over there was a rush for seats, some for the rude benches which lined the walls, some for the more inviting hooks outside.
 Let us get breath of fresh air." the Spaniard said, and led Lavender to the door,
 Strings of popcorn and peppers red and green dangled across the door, posts, making fantastic shadows on the ground.
 There was no moon. but the stars shone bright on the white-walled cab ins dotting the groves, on the pawpaw