Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-11

orator" he began. alphabetically, waving
one hand toward his gasping rival like Mr..
-eh-Moffat. can't sling words round
eh-reckless. like the-eh-gent what Just
had the noor, ner-eh-spout poetry, but
reckon-eh-I kin git out-eh-'bout what I
got to say. Mr.. Moffat has-eh-toid you
what DISQUALIFICATION Miners Club-eh-
has been a-doin'. He--eh-spread it on
pretty blame thick, but-7sh-T reckon they
ain't-eh-ali of 'em minefs round this we're
-eh-camp. As the-eh-president Of the
eh-Cattlemen's Shakespearean--eh-Re
ing Circle. am asked to present to-eh--
Miss Spencer q slight token-eh-of our es-
TEEN. and-eh-to express our pleasure at
eh-being permitted" he bowed to the chok-
ing Mr.. Moffat. "eh-to participate in this
eh-most glorious occasion"
He stepped forward, and dropped into
Miss spencers lap small plush-covered
box. Her fingers pressed the spring. and,
as the lid few open. the brilliant flash of a
diamond dazzled her eyes. She sat staring
Then the assenblage burst into an unre-
strained murmur OF admiration, and the
sound served to arouse her.
"Oh. how beautiful 1t all isr' she ex-
claimed rapturously. at hardly know what
to say. or whom to thank. never heard
of anything so perfectly splendid before. 1t
makes me cry Just to remember that II is
all done for me. Oh, Mr.. Moffat. want
the Bachelors Club for this magnificent re-
ception. I know do not deserve IT, but It
makes me so proud to realize the interest
you all take in my work. And. Mr.. Nc
Neil I beg you to return my gratitude to
the gentlemen Of the-the-toh. thank you3-
the Cattiemens' Shakespearean Reading Cir
Gle chow very nice of you to have such an
organization for the study Of higher litera-
tureD for this superb gift. / shall never
forget this night. or what 1t has brought
me. and simply cannot express my real
feelings at all; III don't know what to
say. or-or what to do
She paused. burying her face in her
hands. her body shaken with sobs. Moffat.
scarcely knowing whether to swear or
smile. hastily signaled for the waiting musl-
clans to begin. AS they swung merriy Into
confident of his first claim for that opening
dance. and vaguely conscious that. once
upon the floor with her. he might thus re-
gain his old leadership Miss Spencer
IL really feel scarcely equal to the at
tempt" she murmured nervously, yet ris-
ing to her feet. Then a new thought SEEM
ed suddenly to occur to her. "Oh, Mr.. Moi
am SO extremely anxious to do everything
1 can to show my gratitude. ->now 1t Is
requesting so much of you to ask your re-
linquishment OF this first dance with me
tonight AS president OF the Bachelors
Club it is your right. Of course. but don't
you truly think I ought to give 1t to Mr..
Mcneil? We were together all the way
from the house. you know, and we had such
a *.
yielding up your claim for just this once.
would your"
Moffat did not reply. simply because he
could not; he was struck dumb gasping for
breath. the room whirling around before
him, while he stared at her with dazed un-
seeing eyes. His very helplessness to re-
spond she naturally interpreted as acquies-
oence.
"1t is SO good of you, Mr. Moffat, for I
realize How you were counting upon this
first dance. weren't you? But Mr.. Mcneil
being here as the guest Of your club. I think
1t is perfectly beautiful Of you to waive
your own rights as president. SO as to &C
knowledge his unexpected contribution to
the JOY Of our evening" She touched him
playfully with her hand, the other resting
lightly upon McNeffs sleeve. her innocent,
happy face upturned to his dazed eyes.
But remember. the next turn is to be
yours, and shall never forget this act of
chivalry."
It Is doubtful II he saw her depart for
the entire room was merely an indistinct
blur. He was too desperately angry even
to swear. In this emergency, Mr.. Wyn-
koop. dimly realizing that something I'M
pleasant had occurred sought to attract
the attention of his new parishioner along
happier lines.
How exceedingly strange It is, Mr.. Moi,
fat" he ventured that beings otherwise
rational. and possessing souls destined for
eternity. can actually appear to extract
pleasure from such senseless exercises?
she is yet young. and probably thoughtless
about such matters, as the youthful are
wont to be. but / am, indeed rejoiced to
note that you do not Dance"
ing sayagely together "Shut upF' he
snapped. fercely, and shaking OF the pas
tors gently restraining fingers, shouldered
his passage through the crowd toward the
door.
Go be Continued Tomorrow