Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1908-08-05

HeT CioAU IN uST sAlIny Wnlte draper
les.
Miss Hamilton seated herself de-
murely and exchanged salutations with
the gentleman at her right. ALFRED
seized that moment for a word with
Stella. ~l-sI "a
Why didn't YOU. wait for usf I
haven't your permission to. mention
our engagement, but wish Miss ANA
bel to suspect it. Yet you make 1t i'm
possible Stella 4Eftfig4 sih
She thought of herself entering be-
side that perfect pair and was, deeply
grateful to the chance that prevented
it. She noticed Alfred's use of Miss
Hamilton's given name, and the omis-
sion of his usual endearment tor 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,si she said
with a fiippancy astonishing to 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. sae aiI iot
The insistent band, undaunted BY two
partitions, blared the popular airs ofthe
day; sentiment, frolic, pathos: When
This. Cruel War Is Over" Eyer bf
Thee. 1.-THE Maiden's Prayer, I"
Champagne Charley Last Ditch
Polka" the last two accompanied by
a soft tapping all along under the
table. ~ ,.~;1- f,~ ,sa:l..i =
Sally B. satopposite Stella, her eyes
seemingly on all the walters at once.
yet she found time for the guests and
their conversation ste4- j'iA 51-9l
A slight eommotion at the door ar.
: rested the attention of the guests.
There came a gust of snbdued yet
excited Chinese chatter, pause, and
the entrance of two men carrying a
towering white pagoda, surmounted by
the word Cod in huge, gilt letters.
With some difficulty the sugary struc-
ture- was safely landed in the center
OF the table, and Vic Wah and his as
sistants withdrew to the cover of the
doorway. where Stella saw the cook
peeping expectantly. through. 1t. was
his master tribute to the occasion.
An instant of silence followed; then
an infectious smoker ran around the
table, in spots breaking into an actual
laugh. .tef. S3I4G 21s = t.1.s 1Sl. ~
Stella saw Vic. Wailis eyes open
wide with establishment and question;
yet. in breath. they cleaned with
anger. His face went liyid, and he
hurried away.
But Sally B. saved the moment. ''My
cook set up all night to make that
cake. Mr.. Crocker; please don't
taught she whispered past. the two
intervening guests. 9!i ,s,st
At once the host rose, and taking
his cue from her anxious face, pro-
posed a toast to 1.-THE Cake and the
Cook" that was responded to with
hearty cheers. Vic Wah entered,
bowed and retired with beaming
face, =, ,f -
The POSTMASTER now raped for
order. The conversation and laughter
ceased, the soft rustic of serving and
eating hushed, and the speeches be-
gan. .5-15 !--','H ..i---- !.
eral topic: '.The Railroad, He told
the story of its 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 to Mr.. Greg
DRY; and closed with a neat compli
ment to Alfred. Stella ever so gently
pressed his arm with her, own; but the
woman on the other side smiled allur-
ingly into his face, and, pouted at her
uncle. ta 49, --.'ff.- 49,
Uncle Charley didn't say half
enough about you" she whispered, yet
Stella heard it. 5 t-t aaasit ~
Il shall tell him he has left his debt
of gratitude for me to liquidate," the
beauty continued. "Or-or can pay
Uncle Charley's, scores?''. she ques-
toned in mock humility, leaning to-
ward Alfred till her breath brushed
his cheek. Perhaps my coin is not
current in your market tsa lIo-hfs
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 Mr.. Ludlow's memorable toast,
THE Pacific Railroad, the Beautiful
Belt of the Union. with California as
the. Golden Buckle" ,aas< a so
At the close of the banquet Stella
escaped through 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; saw
f1attered Alfred's ready response as
she. appealed to him prettily for fact
or confederation of her own assertions
The little court melted away at last.
Mr.. Croker was buttonholed by Mr..
Gregory and led of. Viola disap.
peared; and Sally B. was already rush.