Los Angeles herald., 1908-02-23

desiring sincerely to present his wife to his old
friend Darrall readily promised to introduce her
at the inaugural ball which would take place that
evening
The weather proving propitious for the occa-
sion, never before had there been such an assem-
bly, of "fair women and brave men," were
gathered together that night of the ball in Ken
tucky's Capital, to honor the new Governor.
1t late when Judge and Mrs. Randolph
with Mr.. and Mrs. Darrall, entered the reception
rooms.
Marguerite never looked more beautiful. When
crossing the room with her husband she went
forward for presentation to the Governor and his
suite, all eyes were centered upon her.
So great was the crowd about the Governor that
quite little time was consumed in making their
progress; enough for Marguerite to grow faint
hearted, thinking of the possibilities with which
her presentation was pregnant
Her cheek paled for a moment; her hand trem-
bled upon her husbands arm, not more perhaps
than might have been natural
TITS said that in moments time, drowning
person, or one in imminent danger of death, re-
views his whole life-so it was with Marguerite.
Reviewing the whole situation in a brief moment
-summoning to her aid, all of the reserve force
which ten years of meditation and preparation for
this possibly supreme moment had made hers, she
regained her accustomed calmness and her heart
sent forth its regular currents to cheek and lip.
If she could have selected and prepared the
situation it could not have been better fitted to
serve her in this trying hour. The mise scene
was perfect. The brilliant assemblage of the
breath of flowers, the music, the hum of admira-
ton which followed their footsteps as supported
by her husband-now recognized as a foremost
leader of his party-they moved slowly forward
formed a fit setting.
They we're indeed a pair worth looking at and
to be remembered. Marguerite in her feecy SHIN
mering silken robe of foreign manufacture, with
rare jewels at her throat and in her hair, her
cheeks flushed and her dark eyes glowing with
excitement looking up timidly into her husbands
caught
happiness, such love, such confidence as served to
strengthen her heart. Retarded in their progress
as they drew near the Reception Committee they
were held victims for time. CHANGING around at
the crowd of faces all turned toward her, there
leaped forth one, changed,-yet the same,-which
belonged to her memory of the past For Sec
ond only she let her eyes rest upon it without
CLEAN of recognition In that brief instant she
marked the surprise, the look of intelligence
which passed between him (for it was the face of
a mani and his companion.
All of this in a moments time; in another she
was with graceful courtesy acknowledging the
presentation to the Governor and his Suite. With
a feeling of overweening fondness and pardonable
pride, Darrall whispered congratulations in her
they turned away.
"Now l must redeem my promise and present
you, Sweetheart, to my old friend, Col. Steale."
Pausing abruptly, he looked about him for his
friend, who seemed to have disappeared while
their backs turned 81 him at this very
spot as we advanced" said Darrall searching the
throng of faces.
Marguerites heart almost failed her. Her hus-
bands friendi The color forsook her cheek. A
mist obscured her vision; she seemed almost upon
the verge of Inconsistencies. The crowd seemed
to bear her along without volition of her own.
This lasted in reality but a few seconds then
with supreme effort she controlled herself; re-
covered her voice, saying to her husband:
LET us go outside; the heat of the room; the
odor of the flowers to suffocate me-"
Marking her palor, Darrall led her out upon a
side gallery and seating her in a retired corner,
left her for few moments to order glass of
wine. Delayed by many friends eager to con-