Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-07-31
CHAPTER l.

CHAPTER l.
minister Is all alive, simmering, bub-
bling vv-. with excitement; the magnates
are adjusting ribbons fitting wreaths,
soenting pocket handkerohiefs, stretching
gloves, tying white neck cloths, and 9th
srwise preparing for the momentous even
ing. The inferior clay Of Xminster hover
about the gateway of The George hotel,
IN all that exhlaration 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, minister is
q town in which the stream of life runs
20 sluggishly. Circuses, conjurers, lee
turers, monologue entertainers, etc, are
rather shy of minister; the little town
b 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 OF 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 ct present
causing the pulse of minister to beat
with feverish rapidity, and the popula-
tion arc 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
or attempts at decoration in those gaudy
festoons Of artificial flowers. But a state
" young lady, dressed In white, with
green-and-gold trimmings, seems to bear
away the palm. More than one murmur-
cd tribute to her beauty escapes the lips
of the lookers-on as she whirls by.
'Who Is she? She moves like a queen
amongst the rest, and they are good-look-
ing girls, too, some Of them" And the
speaker, a rather coarse-looking dark
man, a little the wrong side Of thirty,
turned for information to the knot of
mem he was lounging with at the door.
Haven't you ever seen her before,
Pesrnan? No, l suppose you hardly
could have done. She goes cut but little
that's Maude Denison."
what Laughter of old Denison OF
Qlinn7"
-Just so-forner owner Of all those fist
acres which have since fallen into your
respected progenitor's possession !" and a
slight infection of voice just italicized the
spithet; for Gus Brisden was of good
old county family, and had little rever-
snee for the Pearmans of Mannersley.
Yes very handsome was Msude Deni-
son. She was a beauty Of the regal or
der, and her stately carriage alone would
have sufHced to make men ask, who Is
she7" even without the rich brown
tresses, proud grey eyes, and regular fea-
lures.
II must know her r. said Pearman
-Can you introduce me, Brisden?"
mo; l barely know her myself" re
piled Gus.
II must go and find somebody who
can," and Pearman hurried away.
Apparently he was successful, for
shortly afterwards he led out Miss Deni-
son for a quadrille, during which Mr.
Pearman did his uttermost to make him
self agreeable. He was a very earth,
piece Of clay, but he had enjoyed tn,
advantage of good education, and was
by no means deficient in ability. He haC
achieved certain amount of tact Will,
undergoing the friction Of such society a,
be had encountered, and proved himself
an apt pupil in worldly knowledge. This
stood him in good stead Just now. Wher
be led Maude Denison back to her chap
srone she certainly thought he was by
no means the least agreeable partner sh,
had had that evening. She had but JUS
resumed her seat when a tall, fair mar
was by her side. Bis brow was slight,
knit, and his eyes sparkled angrily as b,
exclaimed, My dear Maude, how couls
you dance with that man?"
(which, Grenville?" inquired Mis-
Denison, smiling. II have danced Will
good many tonight. including you
sweet self, cousin mine"
Don't be absurd, Maude; you know
very well whom l mean-.hat dark man
your last partner"
"And wherefore should / not dane
With him7' inquired Miss Denison.
"For q hundred reasons. His nam
alone should have suficed to prevent It.
-Dsar me-" laughed the young lady
merrily. you have piqued my woman
curiosity. Do tell me who this monste
Of iniquity is, for, truth to say, l di
not catch his name when he was intro
duced to me-"
-Ysu didn't know who he wslf