Mexico Missouri message., 1908-07-30

woman who aoatec by his side. a gum.
mer cloud in her nlmy white draper
les.
Miss Hamilton seated herself de.
murely and exchanged salutations with
the gentleman at her right Alfred
seized that moment for a word with
Stella.
why didn't you wait for us? l
haven't your permission TO mention
our engagement. but wish Miss ANA
bel to suspect Il. Yet you make II i'm.
possible. Stella"
She thought of herself entering be-
side that perfect pair and was deeply
grateful 20 the chance that prevented
| a. 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; II will be such
| fine test Of your constaucy." she said
with a flppancy astonishing to him.
He was too thoroughly masculine to
| fathom the art a woman uses 10 hide
her wound Neither could he reply,
for Miss Hamilton turned to him with
some laughing remark.
The inslstent band. undaunted by two
partitions. blared the popular airs ofthe
day: sentiment. frolic. pathos: when
| This Cruel War Ia 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 n. sat opposite Stella. her eyes
seemingly on all the walters at once,
vet she found time for the guests and
their conversation.
4 slight commOtion at the door ar.
rested the attention OF the guests.
There came a gust OF subdued yet
excited Chinese chatter. a 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.
J slstants withdrew to the cover OF the
r doorway, where Stella saw the cook
peeplng expectantly through. II 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 Yic wah's eyes open
wide with establishment and question (:
vet in a breath they cleaned with
anger. His face went livid, and be
hurried away.
But Sally p. 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 toast to The Cake and the
Cook" that was responded to with
hearty cheers. Vic Wah entered
bowed. and retired with beaminl
face.
The POSTMASTER now raped FOL
order. The conversation and laughter
ceased, the soft rustic OF serving anC
eating hushed. and the speeches be
gan.
Mr.. Croker spoke first, to the gen
eral topic: The Railroad" He tolC
the story OF it's inception and progress
paying tribute to Theodore T, Judah
TO the men who furthered the under
taking In congress and legislature, Il
all the officers, especially TO Mr.. Ores
DRY; and closed with a neat complI
ment to Alfred. Stella ever so gentl.
pressed his arm with her own: but tn
woman on the other side smiled alluI
ingly into his face. and pouted at he
uncle.
Uncle Charley didn't say hal
enough about YOU" she whispered. ye
Stella heard II.
II shall tell him he has left his deb
OF gratitude for me to liquidate," tn
beauty continued "Or-or can pa
Uncle Charley's scores?" she que'
toned In mock humility. leaning Il
ward Alfred till her breath brushe
his cheek. Perhaps my coin is nc
current in your market"
OF course. he had to meet her badiI
age. She meant her coin should b
current with him.. and above par; an
he would have been ice had he entir,
ly escaped the spell OF her witcherie
Several speeches followed, anon
them Mr.. Ludlow's memorable toas
The Pacific Railroad. the BeRutif'
Belt of the Union. with California q
the Golden Buckle"
At the close of the banquet Stell
escaped through a door; and frol
do cover OF darkness watched knots {
IS men gather and dissolve about Mi
Hamilton; marked her every motto
lie. and speech; noted her Vivacity. h
ar perfect grace. her quick smile; 50
battered Alfreds ready response I
Of she appealed to him prettily for IA
ed or confederation OF her own assertion