Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-04-30
CHAPTER I.


Xminster is all alive, simmering, bub-
bling ove. with excitement; the magnates
are adjusting ribbons, fitting wreaths,
scenting pocket handkerdhiefs, stretching
floves, tying white neck cloths, and 9th
etwise preparing for the momentous even
Ing. The inferior clay of Xminster hover
about the gateway of The George hotel,
In all that exhilaration of spirits that
gratuitous sightseeing is wont to produce
among the multitude. 1t is but momen-
tary glimpse of some hundred or SO Of
ladies and gentlemen in evening attire
that is destined to be the reward of their
patience; but then, you see, Xminster is
a town in which the stream of life runs
so sluggshly. Circuses, conjurers, lee
turers, monologue entertainers, ETC., are
rather shy of minister the little town
Is so thoroughly habituated to retiring to
rest at an early hour, that even the visits
of some of these talented and adventur-
GUS beings have failed to tempt the in
habitants to forego their beds or to ex-
pend their silver.
But the dullest village in England rec
ognizes some occasions in the year on
which dreary mirth takes the place of
melancholy stagnation. They were two !;
the fair and the dispensary ball. 1t is
the latter carnival which is at present
causing the pulse of Xminster to beat
with feverish rapidity, and the popua-
ton are already waiting to display their
critical acumen on the bellies of town and
country.
The dear old country fddles are playing
their somewhat superannuated dance mu-
sic with all the wonted animation and dis
regard of the niceties of tune which is so
much the characteristic of provincial
bands. There is no lack of pretty girls,
tastefully dressed, in valse and quadrille,
In the queer old room with its still queer
er attempts at decoration in those gaudy
festoons Of artificial flowers. But state
ly young lady, dressed in white, with
green-and-gold trimmings, seems to bear
away the palm. More than one murmur-
ed tribute to her beauty escapes the lips
of the lookers-on as she whirls by.
who is she? She moves like queen
amongst the rest, and they are good-look
ing girls, too, some of them" And the
speaker, rather coarse-looking dark
man, little the wrong side Of thirty,
turned for information to the knot of
men he was ounging with at the door.
Haven't you ever seen her before,
Pearman? No, l suppose you hardly
could have done. She goes out but little
that's Maude Denison."
what daughter of old Denison of
Glinn?"
Just so-former owner of all those fat
acres which have since fallen into your
respected progenitors possession :" and
slight infection of voice just italicized the
epithet; for Gus Brisden was of a good
old county family, and had little rever-
ence for the Pearmans of Mannersley.
Yes, very handsome was Maude Deni-
son. She was beauty of the regal or
der, and her stately carriage alone would
have sufficed to make men ask, "Who is
sheT' even without the rich brown
tresses, proud grey eyes, and regular fea-
lures.
~ must know her! !" said Pearman.
~Can you introduce me, Brisden?"
"No; barely know her myself" re-
piled Gus.
II must 60 and find somebody who
can," and Pearman hurried away.
Apparently he was successful, for
shortly afterwards he led out Miss Deni-
son for quadrille, during which Mr..
Pearman did his uttermost to make him
self agreeable. He was a very earthly
piece of clay, but he had enjoyed the
advantage Of a good education, and was
by no means deficient in ability. He had
achieved a certain amount Of tact while
undergoing the friction of such society as
he had encountered, and proved himself
an apt pupil in worldly knowledge. This
stood him in good stead Just now. When
he led Maude Denison back to her chap
erone she certainly thought he was by
no means the least agreeable partner she
had had that evening. She had but just
resumed her seat when a tall, fair man
was by her side. His brow was slightly
knit, and his eyes sparkled angrily as he
exclaimed, my dear Maude, how could
you dance with that man."
(Which, Grenville" inquired Miss
Denison, smiling. II have danced with
a good many tonight, including your
sweet self. cousin mins." l