The Forrest City times., 1908-08-28

room who could ftiy escort the dainty woman who aoated by his side. sum- mer cloud in her almy white draper ies.
 Miss Hamilton seated herself de- murely and exchanged salutat'ons with the gentleman at her right Alfred seized that moment for a word with Stella.
 Why didn't you wait fer us' l haven't your permission 10 mention our engagement. but l wish Miss Ama- bel to suspect it. Yet you make it im. possible, Stella"
 She thought of herself entering be- side that perfect pair and was deeply grateful to the chance that prevented it. She noticed Alfred use of Miss Hamilton's given name, and the omis- sion of his usual endearment to her self. and because she was hurt she dared not be serious Do let her think the coast clear; 1t will be such a fine test of your constancy," she said with fiippancy astonishing 10 him.
 He was too thoroughly masculine to fathom the art a woman uses to hide her wound. Neither could he reply. for Miss Hamilton turned to him with some laughing remark.
 The insistent band. undaunted by two partitions. blared the popular airs ofthe day; sentiment. frolic. pathos: When This Cruel War Is Over" Ever of Thee" The Maiden's Prayer . Champagne Charley Last Ditch Polka the last two accompanied by soft tapping all along under the table
 Sally B. sat opposite Stella. her eyes seemingly on all the walters at once, yet she found time for the guests and their conversation.
 A slight commotion at the door ar rested the attention of the guests. There came a gust of subdued yet excited Chinese chatter, pause. and the entrance of two men carving a towering white pagoda. surmounted by the word God" in huge gilt letters. With some difficulty the sugary struc- ture was safely landed in the center of the table, and Yic Wah and his as. sistants withdrew to the cover of the doorway, where Stella saw the cook peeping expectantly through IL was his master tribute to the occasion
 An instant of silence followed then an infectious snicker ran around the table. in spots breaking into an actual laugh.
 Stella saw Vic Wah's eyes open wide with astonishment and question: yet in a breath they gleamed with anger His face went livid. and he hurried away.
 But Sally B. saved the moment. My cook set up all night to make that cake. MT. Crocker; please don t laugh" she whispered past the two intervening guests
 At once the host rose. and taking his cue from her anxious face, pro, posed toast to The Cake and the Cook" that was responded to with hearty cheers. Yic Wah entered bowed, and retired with a beaming face
 The toastmaster now rapped for l order. The conversation and laughter ceased, the soft rustic of serving and eating hushed, and the speeches be. gan.
 MT Crocker spoke first, to the gen. eral topic: The Railroad" He told 1 the story of it's inception and progress, paying tribute to Theodore T. Judah, to the men who furthered the under. taking in congress and legislature. to all the officers, especially 70 MT Greg ory; and closed with a neat compu ment to Alfred. Stella ever so gently pressed his arm with her own; but the woman on the other side smiled allui. insly into his face, and pouted al he, uncle
 Uncle Charley didn't say hali enough about you," she whispered. vet Stella heard it.
 T shall tell him he has left his debt Of gratitude for me to liquidate. the beauty continued. "Or-or can I pay Uncle Charley's scores?" she ques. toned in mock humility. leaning to- 'st4A A -AiiAtd LII IltI DItdlH DTuSHSO 70 his cheek. Perhaps my coin is mol current in your market"
 Of course, he had to meet her badin. age. She meant her coin should be current with him, and above par: and he would have been ice had he entire. ly escaped the spell of her witcheries.
 Several speeches followed. among them Mir. Ludlow's memorable toast. The Pacific Railroad, the Beautiful Belt of the Union. with California as the Golden Buckle"
 At the close of the banquet Stella escaped through a door; and from cover of darkness watched knots of men gather and dissolve about Miss Hamilton; marked her every motion and speech: noted her vivacity. her perfect grace, her quick smile: sas hattered Alfred's ready response as she appealed to him prettily for fact or corroboration of her own assertions The little court melted away at last