The Yale expositor., 1908-07-03

Miss Hamilton seated herself de-
murely and exchanged salutations with
the gentleman at her right. Alfred
seized that moment for word with
Stella.
why didn't you wait for us?
haven't your permission to mention
our engagement, but wish Miss ANA
bel to suspect it. Yet you make 1t i'm
possible, Stella"
She thought of herself entering be-
side that perfect pair and was deeply
grateful to the chance that prevented
it. She noticed Alfred's use of Miss
Hamilton's given name, and the omis-
sion OF his usual endearment to her
self, and because she was hurt she
dared not be serious. do let her
think the coast clear; 1t will be such a
fine test of your constancy," she said
with fiippancy astonishing to him.
He was too thoroughly masculine to
fathom the art a woman uses to hide
her wound. Neither could he reply,
for Miss Hamilton turned to him with
some laughing remark.
The insistent band, undaunted by two
partitions, blared the popular airs OF the
day; sentiment, frolic, pathos: when
This Cruel War Is Over" Ever of
Thee" The Maiden's Prayer"
Champagne Charley" Last Ditch
Polka" the last two accompanied by
soft tapping all along under the
table.
Sally B. sat opposite Stella, her eyes
seemingly on all the walters at once.
yet she found time for the guests and
their conversation.
A slight commotion at the door ar
rested the attention of the guests.
There came a gust of subdued yet
excited Chinese chatter pause, and
the entrance of two men carrying a
towering white pagoda, surmounted by
the word God" in huge gilt letters.
With some difficulty the sugary struc-
ture was safely landed in the center
OF the table, and Vic Wah and his as
sistants withdrew to the cover of the
doorway, where Stella saw the cook
peeping expectantly through. 1t was
his master tribute to the occasion.
An instant of silence followed; then
an infectious smoker ran around the
table, in spots breaking into an actual
laugh.
Stella saw Vic Wah's eyes open
wide with establishment and question;
yet in a breath they cleaned with
anger. His face went livid, and he
hurried away.
But Sally B. saved the moment. my
cook set up all night to make that
| cake, Mr.. Croker; please don t
Taught" she whispered past the two
intervening guests.
At once the host rose, and taking
his cue from her anxious face, pro-
posed a toast to THE Cake and the
Cook" that was responded to with
hearty cheers. Vic Wah entered,
bowed, and retired with a beaming
face.
The POSTMASTER now raped for
order. The conversation and laughter
ceased, the soft rustic of serving and
eating hushed, and the speeches be-
gan.
MI. NlOChCl SDOhC lllol W NllC SNh-
eral topic: The Railroad" He told
the story of its inception and progress,
paying tribute to Theodore T. Judah,
to the men who furthered the under
taking in congress and legislature, TO
all the officers especially to Mr.. Greg
DRY; and closed with a neat compli.
ment to Alfred. Stella ever so gently
pressed his arm with her own; but the
woman on the other side smiled allur-
ingly into his face, and pouted at her
uncle.
Uncle Charley didn't say half
enough about YOU" she whispered, yet
Stella heard it.
Il shall tell him he has left his debt
Of gratitude for me to liquidate," the
beauty continued. "Or-or can / pay
Uncle Charley's scores?" she ques-
toned in mock humility, leaning to-
ward Alfred till her breath brushed
his cheek. Perhaps my coin is not
current in your market"
or course, he had to meet her badin-
age. She meant her coin should be
current with him, and above par; and
he would have been ice had he entire
ly escaped the spell of her witcheries.
Several speeches followed, among
them Mr.. Ludlow's memorable toast,
The Pacific Railroad, the Beautiful
Belt of the Union, with California as
the Golden Buckle"
At the close of the banquet Stella
escaped through a door; and from
cover of darkness watched knots of
men gather and dissolve about Miss
Hamilton; marked her every motion
and speech; noted her vivacity, her
perfect grace, her quick smile; saw
fiattered Alfred's ready response as
she appealed to him prettily for fact
or confederation of her own assertions.
The little court melted away at last.
Mr.. Croker was buttonholed by Mr..
Gregory and led off, Viola disap-
peared; and Sally b. was already rush
ing the transformation that must pre-
cede the five o'clock breakfast.
When the radiant two were alone
Stella saw Miss Hamilton's animation