The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1908-07-24
CHAPTER w.
A Dance, a Kiss, a Meeting.


Taking the assent of the company
for granted, Ellen, who had assumed
the unexpected role of leadership in
the evenings entertainment, sum-
moned the servants and directed them
to move the furniture from the center
of the room in preparation for the
dance.
IF you can't and won't dance, Lady
! Darlington" said Mrs Monbrant, who
knew very well Ellen's inability,
won't you play for us?'
81 can't play either answered Ellen.
what, neither play nor dance!
Where were you brought up, my dear
child?' continued the widow in a
tone of commiseration, as If she had
heard the dire news for the first time
at that moment
"And you are mistaken in one
point" added Ellen. Il can dance If
anyone will play"
But l thought" began Darlington
nervously.
The door opened and in came Mis-
tress Debbie followed by Sir Charles.
"Egad, Seton" snickered the duke,
did you find BaXter's Saints Rest
so engrossing that you forgot all about
u.s."
"Debbie, I'm going to show these
people how TO dance, will you play
for me?"
play for dance?" cried Deborah.
What shall it be-" said the help
less Deborah as Seton led her to the
harpsichord.
Yankee Doodle," cried Ellen.
Damned rebel tune!" muttered the
duke under his breath in an aside.
you are surely not going to at
tempt to make spectacle of yourself
before these our friends" remonstrat-
ed Darlington in a low tone of voice.
But Ellen had the bit between her
teeth
That's as may be, my lord. Debbie,
strike up"
Ellen seized her skirts, lifted them
high enough to disclose her prettily
shod foot and ankles and broke into
shades of Lulli!-a sailors horn
pipe She danced it with the spirit
and abandon of the youngest and
most reckless blue jacket Her feet
flew back and forth making a merry
clicking on the hard wood floor. There
were glimpses of flashing buckles and
scarlet hose and dashes of white pet
ticoat in magnificent whirl Of reck-
less gaiety.
Darlington stood with clinched
hands and lowering brows for mo-
ment while Strathgate, Outward and
Athelstrong crowded closer and stared
hard. Even the duchess and Mrs. Mon
brant joined the circle. There was
a great clapping of hands and much
shouting of "Brava" to encourage the
danseuse while the performance last
ed
Presently Darlington, unable to sus-
tain the sight any longer, turned and
reckoning to Lady Cecily ceremoni-
ously offered her his arm and the two
disappeared through the doorway lead
ing into the hall
Inc spirit seemed TO so cut or
Ellen's dancing as Darlington left the
room, for her steps faltered and then
Deborah turned and found Seton's
back fair and square to her shoulder
and the music suddenly ceased.
Now" said Lady Ellen, painting and
triumphant, "the rest of you may
dance as you please. Have | proved my
knowledge, Mrs. Monbrant?'
"Of kind, yes" said the widow.
her brows and turning away. |
where have my lord and Lady |
Cecily gomez" asked the hostess, her |
eyes rowing through the door into the |
hall.
Shall we seek them?" said Strath- |
gate with a low bow, offering his |
arm
whittier have they gone, think |
you?" queried Ellen.
ITO the arbor, probably. IT'S a ia
vorite haunt of theirs. Shall we fol-
low?"
(TO BE CONTINUED)
TUB; SUED FOR DIVORCE.