Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-04-03
CHAPTER w.
A Dance, a Kiss, a MEETING.

- Oance, a Hiss, 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.
8 What, Lady Darlington, shall we
dsnce?" began Lady Cecily. 81 am
sure" she continued with that mock.
cry Of kindness which deceived no.
body, the company would wish to
dance something that you know"
Your sudden conversion to the friy.
elites OF society makes us desire to
encourage you with all our powers"
added Mrs. Monbrant viciously.
Il am too DID,, chuckled the Ouch.
SSs, FOR your modern trippings, but
! think l can foot It still in the contra.
dance, er, duksi" >--.'
my dear Arabella,"' said the duke
blinking solemnly, you are admirable
n everything you do and I have no
doubt you can show these people q
step or two yet and by Cad, I'm with
Sou."
! h rose, lifted his hand and made a
feeble pirouette which was greeted
With great applause.
"As for me-" said Ellen, 81 know no
dances, but am willing to learn pro-
Tided l have 4 teacher"
Madam" said strathgate, promptly
stepping forword.
your pardon" interposed the host
Rudely, you have given Lady Car.
nngton enough lessons for one even.
ing, that shall be my pleasure"
Ellen looked him up and down
eoolly.
"On second thought" she said 81
- not care for lesson tonight"
y The cut was direct and unmistak.
able.
g As you please" returned Caring.
q Ton haughtily. Lady Cecily, If we
dance, will you honor me by being
ny partner"
Always" said that vivacious Der.
son, ogling her handsome but gloomy
odmirer in the most open and shame.
faced way.
And l would that your always
might be forever" said Ellen coolly.
III you can't and won't dance, Lady
carrington," said Mrs. Monbrant, who
Knew very well, Ellens inability,
won't you play for 'is?"
"leant play either" answered Ellen
What, neither play nor dance!
Asre were you brought up, my des,
.0iidr continued the widow in q
eSne Of commiseration, as If she had
Heard the dire news for the first tins
- that moment.
Among men, Mrs. Monbrant, where
you perhaps would like to fetch up."
returned Ellen tartly.
"Ha! hal" cackled old General
Athelstrong behind his handkerchief
lore Cad she had her there"
The ancient soldier seemed to con.
Stitate himself q senile commentary
O. his hostess repartee.
"And you are mistaken in one
Paint" added Ellen. 81 can dance Il
anyone will play"
Bat l thought" began Carripstou
s,Aervously.
"Tis dance I learned on shin
board, my lord" said his wife auda
etously. She was fairly intoxicated
With her recklessness that night. "And
u someone will play"
The door opened and in came Mis-
tress Debbie followed by Sir Charles
"Egad, Seton" snickered the duke
did you find Bakers Saints Rest
% engrcssing that you forgot all abou
u.s."
~There were other books in the Il
brary, your grace" returned Debbi,
spiritedly. and Sir Charles and for
got the flight Of time in coming ole,
the printed page" 90.
THE only printed page that eve
made me forget Che fight Of time,
returned the duke, had spots on it.
yes, most of the pages that 70,
turn. are spotted" said Ellen boldly
sShe feared dukes not at all, especial,
those Of the Outward stamp, and
seemed as if in her desperation sh
was bent upon rudeness to all m,
lords friends.
HE! he!" snickered AthelstronI
again, "she had him there surely"
The duke turned on the general Il
sudden fury, but again Ellen inter
yened.
"Debbie, I'm going to show Ties
people how to dance. will you plS
16k2 maj"