The Somerset reporter., 1908-09-24

ing Harvard to win independent sue
cess In life.
Augustus pride forbade her CORE
spending with him, and after gradual
ing she supported herself that her ia
Their night be free to educate her sis
ters That the MERGERS we're related
to the Fitzrays she had not discovered
for some months. and after the first
shock of the knowledge she decided to
retain her position, there being only
formal intercourse between the fami-
lies and therefore small chance of her
identity being discovered.
The brilliantly illumned ballroom
was crowded when the eight young
couples swept into the center. the men
In picturesque square cuts of green
and scarlet the girls In gauzy white,
with frosty spangles and garlands of
mistletoe. Augusta, relying on her
mask, entered into the dance with
grace and spirit that caused many of
the spectators to single her out for IA
vor. Rising from a deep courtesy, her
eye was drawn to one OF the guests
who regarded her intently. Something
On the broad shoulders, the flrmness OF
the chin, visible beneath the black
mask, set her heart beating wildly
this to be followed by q sudden chill
of the blood when she remembered
that Morgan had brother.
Nervous with alarm, she never knew
how she followed the intricacies of the
dance, though she must have acquitted
herself well, since of the flowers that
pelted the dancers at the end a gener-
GUS share fell at her feet Then. ST.
lent among laughing throng. she real
lied that her part In the festivities was
at an end. Pride and duty demanded
her withdrawal.
II have secured your trophies" an
nounced some one at her side as she
reached the hall. ana with a thrill OF
Joy she knew that Morgan had indeed
returned. To leave before he had rec
Ognized her became of vital importance.
Yet how tear herself away when her
whole heart was In tumult for his
presenter
you will permit me-" he begged.
taking her card. I'm sure the next ia
a waltz"
Augusta. shaking her head, endeav-
ored to slip away.
you can't vanish So" he challenged,
dropping his mask "Will you follow
suit or must | wait the wtching hour
OF IL to solve the mystery"
Mystery" repeated Augusta In a
curiously muffled voice.
"But one girl dances like you" He
bent over her eagerly. Were 1t not
impossible l should thing
Thought at = masquerade" Angus
ia leased; but, knowing that he spoke
of herself. she grew reckless and. de-
spite the risk OF delay. yielded to bis
plea for just one waltz.
The first led naturally to a second.
after which. because she could not sim
gle out Fitzray for favor. she permit
ted others to f1ll her card. Many
dances were "halysd' among impor-
tant partners. since about her hung the
fascination OF real mystery. which with
most of the masks was but a pretense
Augusta drifted In the intoxication of
the hour, forgetful of everything save
her lovers presence. For supper he
secured tiny table to themselves.
Strangely interested In his compan-
ion. yet knowing his suspicious to be
wildly improbable. he impatently
awaited the striking Of the clock. As
the first silvery chime rang through the
room the guests, amid gay raillery.
threw off their masks.
Augusta. casting one startled glance
about her. sprang to her feet, then ig-
ANONYMOUSLY fed. like Cinderella of old.
leaving Fltzray to stare at her empty
chair Reaching the hall q moment
later. the young man caught a glimpse
of vanishing drapery on the stairs.
Imagining that the girl must return.
he waited with the best grace he could
muster. but at the sound of wheels
outside he flung wide the hall door
just in time to see a carriage disap-
pearing with all speed, while before
the servants gate lay small object
dark against the snow-the silken mask
that had baffied him.
In the MERGERS schoolroom next
morning lessons dragged as never be
fore, and the pupil wasted no regrets
when her governess was summoned to
her sisters room.
Say something" demanded that
lady after having informed Augusta
that her cousin had been to see her.
1t seemed he had been so successful In
business. winning such golden opin-
ions from his employer. that a partner
ship was promised.
Uncle is so proud" she concluded.
HE declares himself willing to receive
Morgan's chosen wife. After which
news | couldn't Alb 1t scarcely seemed
to your interest, and you'd better go
down to him"