The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1908-06-12

reached the hall. and with a thrill OF
.,,y she knew that Morgan had indeed
returned. To leave before he had rec
o.,uized her became Of vital Importance.
Yet how tear herself away when her
whole heart was in tumult for his
presence!
You will permit me-" he begged.
taking her card. I'm sure the next Is
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 witching hour
of II to solve the mystery"
Mystery repeated Augusta In a
curiously muffied voice.
But one girl dances like you" He
bent over her eagerly. Were 1t not
impossible | should think
Thought ut 4 masquerade" Angus
Ia leased; hut. knowing that he spoke
Of herself. she grew reckless and. de-
spite the risk Of delay, yielded to his
plea for just one waltz.
The FIRST led naturally to second.
after which. because she could not sim
Gle out Fitzray for favor, she permit
ted others to fill her card. Many
dances were "halved" among impor-
tant partners. since about her hung the
fascination of real mystery. which with
most of the masks was but preteRse.
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 I've
wildly improbable. he impatiently
awaited the striking of the clock. As
the first siIvery chime rang through the
room the guests. amid gay raiilery.
threw OF their masks.
Augusta. casting one startled glance
about her. sprang TO her feet. then L.
ANONYMOUSLY fed. like Cinderella Of old.
leaving Fitzray to stare at her empty
chair. Reaching the hall moment
later. the young man caught 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 dung wide the hall door
just In time TO see a carriage disap-
pearing with nil speed. while before
the servants gate lay a small object
dark against the snow-the silken mask
that had bafgied him.
In the MERGERS schoolroom next
morning lessons dragged rs 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,
Ii seemed he had been 40 successful In
business. winning such golden opsn'
ions from his employer that partner
ship was promised.
| Uncle Is 80 proud" she concluded.
HE declares himself willing TO receive
Morgan's chosen wife. After which
news I couldn't fib. IL scarcely seemed
to your interest. and you'd better "a
down to him."
Instead Of following this advice Au'
gusta dropped on her knees beside the
lounge.
Its been so lonely-l'm so happy
she whispered Incohercntiy.
Morgan didn't look overstocked witt
patience" Miss Mercer warned as sht
pushed the girl gently away. Come
back directly he's gone" she com
manded. aud as the girl turned. with 4
smile. before closing the door her face
was beautiful in its tremulous happi
ness.
Left alone. Miss Mercer lay quite
stu. watching the hands ~ the clocl
slowly making the circle Of the dial
Il wonder" she unused whimsically
ARE fairies human enough TO feel 1
wee bit lonely after they have brough
the lovers togetherT'