Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-07-11
CHAPTER II.


had arranged recherche toilette for
her; a soft cleaning robe of white
shaded with white lace. l bought no
jewels for her; they would have look
ed out of place on that fair, youthful
brow. She wore no ornaments save
a small wreath of jessaine that mes
tied in the thick coils of her rich
brown hair. She looked very sweet
and very lovely with an air of fresh
ness ard simplicity that was, to say
the least of it, uncommon. There was
a flush upon her cheek and shining
light in her blue eyes.
Il am very happy, Deena,' she said,
when had fastened the jessamine in
her hair. Il like dancing so much.
and I shall have nothing else all the
evening"
My simple innocent darling. she
never thought for moment of her
beauty or the admiration it was sure
to excite. I wrapped her warmly in a
thick crimson opera cloak, and saw
her comfortably settled in the car
rage. To my great regret, could
not accompany her for had been suf-
fering severely from a sharp attack of
bronchitis.
Mrs. Steele, a friend of ours, who
resided at Elm Villa, near Fernside,
offered to chaperone Maggie for me;
so did not see what felt sure
would be my child's success.
! knew they would not return from
the ball until very late; so ordered
fire to be lighted in Maggies room,
and some of her favorite hot coffee
prepared for her. / sat up myself,
for | was anxious to hear how she
had Jared. 1t was between three and
four in the morning when heard the
sound of carriage wheels on the gravel.
| rushed down stairs to meet my
child. She did not look in the least
degree tired or fatigued; her face
radiant and bright as summers
morning
"Oh, Deena!" she cried, 81 am so
sorry you could not go it was most
beautiful! / have enjoyed myself so
much that | can hardly be quiet while
l talk about it.
Il am glad it was pleasant, dear"
| answered; ''but l am older than
you, and should not have enjoyed it
so much. What made it so charm
ing?'
The music and lights, the dancing
everything" Then she stopped a mo-
ment, and the bright flush deepened
on her sweet, glowing face.
with whom did you dancer |
asked, for the blush raised faint
suspicion in my mind.
First of all with Charley Steele,
she replied; his sisters looked so
handsome! Dena, they wore blue
velvet dresses"
And afterwards" / said, with, |
fear, a cruel disregard of the Misses
steele's grandeur.
The bright flush came again. She
tried to speak quite unconcernedly.
After that she said, Il danced
with a strange gentleman visiting at
Mrs. Hopes
"Who is hep | asked again.
"A Mr.. Walter Rivers" she replied.
He has been staying at Mrs. Hopes
some time
1t was wonderful how quiet her
voice had become. She was pulling
to pieces the beautiful bouquet I had
arranged with so much care for her.
WAS he a good dancer?" / asked
quietly.
She seemed to regain confidence
when she found made no other re-
mark
"Oh yes, she said, looking up at me
with her shining eyes. "And, Deena,
he has such beautiful face-just like
your picture of Sir Launcelot, so
bright and cage, yet with half-sad
smile.'
do you know who he is at all?'
inquired. Il was not aware that the
Hopes had any visitors
Yes she replied, quickly, he
told me all about himself; his father
is a solicitor at Northington, and he
is in his fathers Office"
Going to be solicitor, suppose?"
! remarked carelessly.
Yes she replied; The is so clever.
Deena; and he said, he would give
anything to see you"
my dear little sister, even il /
had not suspected something before,
that one speech was quite enough.
How came you to talk Of me, Maggie?v
said.
Mr.. Rivers was talking all about
his home,' she replied; "and that led
me to speak of NINE"
Il dare say he would like to see
Fernside," ! remarked.
Dear me, Deena," she cried, her
innocent eyes opening wide, how
came you to guess that, he cid say
SO"
Yes continued, "he has heard
without doubt what picturesque old
place 1t is, and would like to visit IT,"
why. Deena," she cried, her blue
eyes opening still wider, that is word
for word what he said How could
you guess it?"