Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1908-11-20

moved away from hin aud
stood beside the table Ct
which she and Millar had been seated
She saw the wild rage stamped OF bis
face. and her wonaa's intuition made
her know that Miilar had told hin
what she had OWNED be meant. The
situation frightened her. and she felt
Oh tie point Of fleeing from the rom
or casting aside the cloak. but she re-
sofsed to see the game through.
Karl stared at her. rage giving place
To smazement then 10 despair For
full a minute no one spoke. The music
roated In softly from the ballroom.
mingled with the hum Of voices and
laughter. Olga was the first 20 break
the stiffness. but she did not look a.
him as she spoke.
Karl, this is the trst time ] have
bad chance to talk with you tonight
she said.
What is that" Karl absenily asked.
He had not heard His mind was
confused, bewilderet- Mlllar. cynical
IL misunderstanding his question, said
quickly:
why. that is an opera CLOAK"
Olga turned quickly, fearful that the
remark might cause an eruption which
she could not control. She cried im-
pulsively. seeking 10 divert the threat
ening train Of conversation:
The ball Is a great success. Every
one Is merry; every one dances as II II
20 - a
girls are all as happy as young wild
ows who have Just taken Of mourn
ing"
Il have observed it." Millar agreed.
with enthusiasm. 1T Is splendid. But
why Is Karl so sad amid all this mer-
rymaking:' he added
why are you sad, kari?" Olga
asked. turning to him.
II sad? You are silly" Karl cried.
with forced gayety. Il never felt hap
pier in al my life"
There was touch Of hysteria In his
voice that made Olga's heart 60 out 10
him.
II am glad you are having such
good time" she said.
Yes. yes; | feel like a schoolboy,"
Karl cried wildly, like young tiger.
I'm mad with joy. | will get drunk to-
night. will drink, drink. drink. until
the angels In heaven sing TO me, as
you said this afternoon" he added.
turning 10 Millar.
mo, no, Karl" Olga pleaded. thor
oughly frightened. why. you never
drank. Why should you drink to-
night"
Because am doing things tonight
never did before" Karl replied bitter.
~ Il have never been engaged before
Tonight shall be engaged"
Good, fine. Karl" Millar exclaimed
sShe is a splendid girl"
Splendid girl! What do care what
sort of girl she Is. It's not the girl
it's msrria2e-something new. ! want
% see what ii Is like
For bridegroom you are not very
gay" Mlllar said tauntingly.
Gay, Why should | be gay? ] an
drinking the last bitter drops Of my
bachelor days. but FL swallow them
and then-puri'y."
Bravo, Karl" Olga said.
ooh. don't care what any one else
thinks about it." Karl sneered al her
II am doing this TO please myself"
Olga was hurt and surprised at his
tone She had never seen him so com
pletely beside himself before. She
had never heard him speak so bitter
ly, so vlndictively. As she watched
him he looked at her, and spasm Of
pain contorted his face. He pointed
his finger at her accusingly and cried
why are you wearing that cloak il
the housef'
Mime Hoffman, may be cold,'' Nil
lar suggested quietly.
yes, yes; am cold" Olga said hur
riedly, drawing the cloak around he
more closely.
You are fortunate to have such I
beautiful cloak" Millar said, determin
ed now to keep them at the main poin
OF his game.
Suppose We do not talk about tn
cloak" Olga said. You and Els
Yes" he replied absently.
Really, 1t was charming to watcl
such devoted young couple" Milla
said
Kari flashed look Of hatred at hiI
and turned again to Olga.
That cloak Is lined with fur, ISN'T 1t ?
Before she could reply Millar ha
tnterposed in his silken, inslnaaun
voice:
"Yes-soft. smooth fur
Il did not speak to you" Kari erie
at him ssvagely. well" he demant
ed Of Olga.
soft, smooth fur" Olga replied "a
Is cold In here"
Nonsense II In hot I feel stlaing
Kari declared
Il feel chilly" Olga insisted.
"Perhaps madame Ia not drssse
warmly enough" MlIar inslnnate
"You should wear plenty Of clothes
the winter time or you may ran II
chance Of taking cold"
Olga caught her brea th, and then al
answered:
Il love to take chances"
"You do. ehP Karl cried
Yes. What is it to your" she asks
tauntlngly.
Karl threw his self control to d
winds With flaming face and vol
that shook with anger he cried:
Aren't you two afraid Of me?'
Olga was afraid, and she looked
him apprehenSiYelY Millar smiled I