Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-04
CHAPTER ~.
A Dance, a Kiss, q Meeting.

to move the furniture from the center
OF the room in preparation for the
dance
What. Lady Darlington. shall we
dancer" began Lady Cecily. Il 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 friv-
olities OF society makes US desire 70
encourage you with all our powers"
added Mrs. Monbrant viciously.
I am too old" chuckled the Ouch,
ess. for your modern trippings. but
/ think can foot e stin In the contra.
dance. er. duke7"
My dear Arabeila." said the duke
blinking solemnly. you are admirable
in everything you do and I have no
doubt you can show these people a
step or two yet, and by Cad. I'm with
you"
He rose. lifted his hand and made a
feeble pirouette which was greeted
with great applause.
AS for me-" said Ellen, I know no
dances. but I am willing TO learn pro-
vided 1 have a teacher"
Madam" said Strathgate. promptly
stepping foTword.
Your pardon" interposed the host
rudely. you have given Lady Car
rington enough lessons Tor one even
ing. that shall be my pleasure"
Ellen looked him up and down
eoolly.
"On second thought" she said. I
do not care for a lesson tonight"
The cut was direct and unmistaz-
able.
AS you please" returned Caring
ton haughuly. Lady Cecily. II we
dance. viii you honor me by being
my partner?"
Always" said that vivacious per
son. osling her handsome but gloomy
admirer in the most open and shame
faced way.
And I would that your always
might be forever said Ellen cooIly.
IF you can't and won't dance. Lady
Darlington" said Mrs. Monbraut. who
knew very well Ellen's inability.
won't you play for us?"
Il 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 cQmmiseration. as II she had
heard the dire news for the first time
at that moment
Among men. Mrs. Monbrant. where
you perhaps would like 20 fetch up"
returned Ellen tartly.
"Ha, hai" cackled old General
Athelstrong behind his handkerchief.
" fore Cad she had her there"
The ancient soldier seemed 70 con-
stitute himself a senile commentary
on his hostess repartee.
And you are mistaken in one
point. added Ellen. Il can dance IL
anyone will play"
But I thought" began Darlington
nervously.
IT'S a dance I learned on ship
board, my lord" said his wife auda-
ciously. She was fairly intoxicated
with her recklessness that night And
II someone will play"
The door opened and In came Mis-
tress DebSie followed by Sir Charles.
"Egad. Seton" snickered the duke.
did you find Bakers Saints Rest
so engrossing that you forgot all about
us?"
There were other books IN the H.
brary. your grace" returned Debbie
spiritedly, and Sir Charles and for
got the flight OF time In coming Ger
the printed page"
The only printed page that ever
made me forget the flight OF time, -
returned the duke, had spots on it,
Yes, most Of the pages that you
turn are spotted" said Ellen boldly.
She feared dukes not at all, especially
those OF the Outward stamp, and II
seemed as if in her desperation she
was bent upon rudeness TO ali my
lords friends.
Hell hei" snickered Athelstrong
again. "she had him there surely"
The duke turned on the general In
sudden fury. but again Ellen inter.
yened.
"Debbie. I'm going to show these
people how TO dance, will you play
for me?"
PLAY for a dancer" cried Deborah.
ELLEN. what has come over you? You
gambled?"
"Ay." returned my lady, and lost
twenty thousand pounds"
Twenty thousand poundsl" gasped
Deborah sinking into q chair.
Compose yourself. my dear. My
lord has won IL back and holds IL
safe IN his pocket"
Il told YOU" began Darlington, that
l."
Keep 1t, my lord. You may have
need Of It." said Ellen
Il am glad that all has ended well"
interviewed Sir Charles, vaguely feeling
quarrel In the air. He was looking
very happy in spite OF the raillery to
which he was subjected for his sud
den interest in the doctrine OF Mas
ter Richard Baxter-"and / congratu
late you. Lady Darlington, on having
lost to your husband"
Her ladyship lost first to me-" said
Strathgate emphatically.
oh" exclaimed Sir Charles, gloom