Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-10-24

and such consciousness
! I is apt to make the best of us
a trifle elated. 1t was certainly one Of
the best balls of the season, and Miss
Chyne's dress was without doubt one of
the most successful articles of its sort
there.
Jack Meredith saw that fact and
noted it as soon as he came into the
room. Moreover, 1t pleased him, and
he was pleased to reflect that he was
no mean critic in such matters. There
could be no doubt about 1t, because he
knew as well as any woman there. He
.knew that NIillicent Chyne was dressed
in the latest fashion; no furnished up
| gown from the hands of her maid, but
unique creation from Bond street.
"Well," she asked in low voice as
she handed him her programme, "are
you pleased with it?'
"Eminently So"
She glanced down at her own dress
1t was not the nervous glance of the
debutante, but the practiced flash of ex-
perienced eyes which see without APP
pearing to look.
II am glad" she murmured
He handed her back the card with the
orthodox smile and bow of gratitude,
but there was something more in his
eyes.
as that what you did it for?' he in.
quired.
"Of course" with glance half
coquettish half humble
She took the card and allowed it to
drop pendent from her fan without
blocking ut it. He had written nothing
OH it. This was nil form. The
dances that We're his had been in
scribed on the engagement card long
before by smaller fiugers than his.
She turned to take her attendant
partners arm with little haunt, u
little movement Of the hips, to bring
her dress and possibly her self more
prominently beneath Jack Meredith's
notice. His eyes followed her with
that incomparably pleasant society
smile which he had no doubt inherited
from his father. Then he turned and
mingled with the well dressed throng,
bowling where he ought to bow, asking
with fervor for dances in plain but
influential quarters where dances were
to be easily obtained
And all the Will. his father and
Lady Cantourne watched.
Behind his keen Old eyes Sir John
watched Jack go up and claim his
dance at the hands of Miss Alillicent
Chyne. He could almost guess what
they said, for Jack was grave and she
smiled demurely. They began dane
Ing at once, and as soon as the floor
became crowded they disappeared.
Jack Meredith was an adept at such
matters. He knew seat ut the end
of long passage where they could
sit, the beheld of all beholders who
happened to pass. but no one could
possibly Overhear their conversation,
no one could sarprlse them. 1t was
essentially strategical POS ton.
"Well," inquired Jack, With pc
culiar breathlessness, when they were
seated, shave you thought about it?"
She gave little nod.
They seemed to be taking up sons
conversation at a point where it hat
been dropped on previous occasion.
"And?" he inquired suavely. The
society polish was very thickly coate.
over the man, but his eyes had ;
hungry look.
BY way of reply her gloved han,
crept out toward his, which rested
on the chair at his side
"Jackw she whispered. and that wa,
all.
1t was very PRETTY DONE ant
quite naturally. He was Il Judge Of
such matters and appreciated the girl
ish simplicity of the action fully.
He took the small gloved hand ant
pressed it lovingly. The thoroughncs:
of his social training prevented an,
further display Of affection.
THANK heaven!" he murmured.
The music Of the next dance wa.
beginning, and, remembering thci
social obligations, they both rose. She
laid her hand on his arm and for {
moment his fingers pressed hers. II,
smiled down into her upturncd eye.
with love, but without passion. IL,