Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-09-24


Maybe" he hazarded. you're . bit Of out
slider like me-
Yes" she faltered, Il am outsider" Driscoll
laughed II don't know a soul In this room, but
one and how to md her haven't the faintest
ton.
II don't belong here either" she replied desper-
ately. I'm o stenographer from Boston and came
here on my vacation. Then this afternoon IL
picked up an invitation to this the beach. and
thought I'd como. But oh, wish hadn't.
think they suspect me. I'm having--1m having q
perfectly CHASTITY time.
He danced next with gorgeous Princess Of the
Empire who knew that she had never met him
before and frted with him outrageously. The
third time around his eye fell on the little Sister
seated alone in q corner Of the room.
He asked the Princess why this should b.
Haven't you heard7" she replied lapEuidly
why we're almost that she's Of those
Ruthvens from Chicago. That's so like Mrs. Van
dervoorts liberality. isn't 1T"
"Well isn't she nice then2' asked Tommy
curiously.
Nice" she echoed. "oh. suppose so but she's
q rank outsider. She's impertinent to come here
At ALL Please tell who you are"
Are you sure you don't recognize me2" par
ried Tommy before detaching himself from the
Princess and making his way over to tho little Sis
ter for their third dance
You simply mustn't sit there polishing tho wall
like that" he demonstrated. "You must mix
among them. There isn't thing to be afraid Of.
Why they all think that you're one OF tho invited
guests-Miss Ruthven Of Chicago, whom they are
cutting
But can't 90 about among the tho people
you say. can't. I'm afraid to-"
Then" said Tommy earnestly. you must give
me the rest OF your Dances"
mo, no I'm not 80 selfish - that You must
not miss such chance to dance with these rich and
distinguished people"
Are they better to dance with than your"
Why said the little stenographer in her low
scared voice don't you want to get into society,""
How do you mean" asked Tommy, puzzled
Bless you have all tho society want. Give
the next one. ANYWAY. won't you! And let me take
you to supper"
Ladies OF quality gorgeously appareied, danced
the fifth and the seventh with him. and he pros
percd with them famousy. The Sixth he took with
the little Sister again. During this his troubles be-
gan. A short, stout man Waiting with the Princess
OF tho Empire, circled by him and hearkened to his
chatter.
Why" he exclaimed. 'nang me II that black
domino isn't young Driscoll, who made = fortune
out OF pickles in New York! I'd know that laugh
among thousand. Well! who will We be meet
ing next?"
Really" said the Princess. THAT one! Well
don't care. He's fascinatiug-even II ne is SO
taken with that Ruthven GIRL.
The short stout man knew Tommy In New York
and liked him. but he felt, naturally that the func
tions of the chosen must be kept untarnshed from
the herd He mentioned this latest instance OF
Mrs. VandervooH's laxness to his aunt. Like Wild
IRE, the scandal spread the result being that when
Tommy presently reentered the ballroom from the
veranda. a giggng. suppressed but violent, sprang
up behind him. The orchestra was just starting a
dance-the ninth. He sauntered to tho line
NJ DCbo oil = hn 1>Ft hopd wall
rendered his arm to decorated Bo-Peep and was
emphaticaly refused.
She's spotted me for an outsider" he concluded
cheerfuy-remembering now that he had had some
difficulty in securing partner for the eighth-and
ummoned next an Old Virginia belle of the Colon
ial Period. who also pointedy, declined him. Pass
Ing on he presently espied the Empire Princess
among the silent group Of maskers. and he was
quite that she would dance with him. And
then behind him, suddenly echoed a note Of sup
pressed laughter. As he turned in the direction
from whence 1t G similar cackle sprang UP
from the other side. Then another and another
from the elder and sterner upholders Of tradition
until score or more were sharing in the unseemly
mirth. Tommy felt that every eye in tho great
fastened upon him.
Whats the joke" he demanded pleasantly. IT,
seems to be me. anyway
He standing in the middle Of the door. try
ing absurdy to inspect his own back the unem
barrassed cynosure OF hundred unfriendly eyes.
AS his back turned to tho door he did mo-
see the Sister Of Charity when she suddenly ap
peared at the threshold. She stood there a second
taking everything in at glance before moving
swiftly down the room, plucknE at her mask a.
she walked.
WHY" she cried in voice very different from
tho frightened gurgle of the little Boston steno
grapher. This is Observation-Disclosures"
Voices rang out all over the room, Why It's Yes
pasa!--Miss Belden, upon my soul!"
She came to Tommy with eyes shining cheek
flaming scarlet; and before them all, knelt dowl
proudly the polished floor and removed frcn
his skirts picture-that OF good-looking younl
delightfully."- dallying with a gherkin
Tommy took 1t, smiling. and crumpled 1t In hi
hand he led the way into the dimly lighted con
servatory. leaving behind them roomful of people
astonished somewhat crestfallen, and even a bi
ashamed.
Thank you for coming to the rescue" Miss Bel
. den" he said, as the voices died behind. them
frightened" confessed 'and-indi lie