The Mena weekly star., 1908-07-30
THE BALL
By Maurice Jokal.

come a nun, or finish myself Tn some way. Let me tell you what has nap pened. and feel sure that you will agree with me in thinking 1t mon strous. almost inconceivable.
 You doubtless have heard that the Hungarian army passed through our village last week, after the battle or Branyisxho. Before they came. Dy way of preparing us for their recep- tion, we were told unheard of things about the soldiers. how they would pillage and fire the town, then Kill or carry off the women.
 We'll, the eventful day came at last Mother had described the Hungari- ans to me as great Tartars. wearing fur turbans and bearskins for clothes. Fancy my surprise on seeing, instead of such monsters, two elegant young officers, one light, the other dark. and both extremely handsome. Their red cloaks were swung gracefully over their shoulders, leaving their uniforms exposed. They apologized for their in- trusion. and replied confusedly that l was ready to serve them. The handsomer of the two men looked at the great quantity of food and drink on the table, and could not repress a smile. This only served to increase my embarrassment. The other officer treasured me by thank ing me in the most musical of voices for the services offered.
 They went away, but in half an hour they returned. They then told mother that arrangements had been made for ball. and we were invited to go. They asked my company on the spot for quadrilles, czardas and polonaises' Of course I promised them all they asked. but my mother made all sorts of objections.
 On reaching the ball room l found a large company assembled. The sol ] diers were all splendid. I would not have believed that men whose busi- ness 1t is to kill people could be so magnificent and fascinating.
 One officer in particular attracted the attention of everyone present He was tall and so handsome His com plexion was fair, his cheeks were red. and his eyes and hair dark His scar let uniform fitted his fine form to per lection.
 You can imagine my feelings when I saw him coming up to ask me for a Quadrille. Unfortunately, had already I promised it. Oh, how I wished my | partner was somewhere elsel I don't know what he replied at first, for heard him say:
 Don't forget that you have prom. ised me the next one"
 If I had not suddenly checked my self I should have declared that would sooner forget my existence. simply assured him that I would re member 1t.
 But how will you be able to recog nize me?" he asked.
 As if 1t were the most natural thing in the world to do. I unfastened a rose from my corsage and offered 1t to him, saying as did so:
 'I shall know you by this"
 He took the flower and pressed it to his lips. pretended not to see him. but did just the same.
 We took our places and stood wait ing. Then, just as we were about to begin. we heard the sound of gallop ing hoofs. and, in the distance, a can nonading that made the windows rat tie. A moment later. a man. bespat tered with mud, rushed in and an nounced that the enemy was attacking the outposts.
 "Goodl" exclaimed a major clap ping his hands. We were just walt ing for them. Gentlemen, beg these ladies to excuse you for few mo ments-just a few. We will be back directly. Wait for u3 and don, worry"
 Then all the gay young officers buckled on their swords, their faces set with grim determination. My part ner went with the rest. His face looked stern and his eyes flashed fire felt that 1 could have gone with him into the thickest of the fight He still held my rose. and when he put on his shako, he fastened the rose behind the cockade. Then he turned and sought me out in the crowd. Our eyes met for a moment, and he was gone. We all staid in the ball room, as we had been forbidden to leave The hours that followed were certainly the long. est ones that I ever passed. By de. grees the firing grew fainter, and finally 1t ceased altogether. From this. we concluded the enemy had been routed.
 We were right. A quarter of an houy later. amidst shouts of joy, the officers re-entered the ball room. smiling as If nothing unusual had happened. Their bright uniforms were soiled, whether with mud or blood l could not tell. They sought their partners, and took their places, as If they had merely re. turned from the refreshment room.
 My partner and the major were missing so 1 sat down near the door to watch for them. Soon the major came in alone. As soon as he saw me he came up to me, bowed. and said:
 My fair young lady, your partner begs thousand pardons for falling to keep his promise. but 1t is simply i'm. possible for him to come. Ills leg ia shattered by cannon ball and 1t must be amputated at once. He is very sorry. assure you. to miss the pleas. ure of dance with you"
 Oh. Eleanor. do you wonder I am i'll