Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1909-09-29

She saw a look of surprised amuse-
ment fit across his face, succeeded al
most instantly by a hard, dark frown
of displeasure. He waited moment
and then looked down at her with un-
mistakable shame and disapproval In
his eyes.
I'VE might just as well be merry
while we cam" Browne was saying.
'Think OF what the French did at the
time of the commune. They danced
and died like ladies and gentlemen.
And our own forefathers, Chase, ut the
time of the American Revolution-re-
member them too. They gave their
balls and parties right under the muz-
zles of British cannon. And vicksburg
New Orleans. too-in the civil war!
Think of EN-! Why shouldn't we be as
game and as gay as they?"
But they were earnest in their dis
fractions" observed Deppingham, with
Il glance ut his wife's eager face "This
could be nothing more than trayesty.
n Jest"
"Oh. let us be SPORTS" cried Lady
Agnes, falling into an Americunism
readily. 1T may be II Jest, but what
odds? Something to kill time with"
II don't like Mr.. Browne" whispered
Genevra suddenly. Chase did not re-
ply. She waited moment and then
went on. He is not like Dcppingham.
Do you understand?"
Lady Deppingham came over to
them at that instant, her eyes spar
king.
Its to be tonight" She said. "A
fashionable charity ball-everything
except the newspaper accounts. don't
you know. Committees and all that.
It's short notice. of course, but life
may be short. Wei have Arab aero.
battles. Persian dances. IL grand march,
electric lights and absolutely no money
TO distribute. That's the way it usu-
ally is. Now, Mr.. Chase. don't look
so sour! Be nice. please" She put
her hand on his arm and smiled up at
him so brightly that lie could not hold
out against her. She caught the touch
of disapproval in Genevra's glance,
and sharp. quick flash of rebellion
came into her own eyes.
What is charity ball?" asked Ge-
nevra after moment.
"A charity ball is function where
one set of women sit in the boxes and
say nasty things about the women on
the floor. and those on the floor say
horrid things about the women in the
boxes. It's great fun"
Charity is simply hallucinatiop,
them"
Yes. but don't mention 1t aloud.
Mr.. Britt is trying with might and
main to prove that Bobby and have
hallucinations without end. If 1 hap
pen to look depressed ut breakfast
time he jots it down-spells of depres-
sion and meiancholia. do you see?
He's a dreadful man."
Saunders was approaching from the
lower end Of the balcony He ap-
peared tiustered. His face was red
and perspiring and his manner distract.
We'll. Sannders?' said Deppingham
as the lawyer stopped to clear his
throat obsequiously.
II have found sufficient food Of all
descriptions, sir. to last for month
at least" said Saunders in strained,
unnatural voice.
Have cigarette. Deppy?" inter-
posed Browne. seeing that something
was amiss with Saunders. In solemn
order the silver box went the rounds.
Saunders spoke up. as If suddenly
recollecting something. 81 have to re-
port. sir, that the stock of cigarettes
Ia getting very low. They can't last
three days at this rate, SIR"
The three men stared at him.
Good Lordw exclaimed Chase, who
could face any peril and relish the ex-
perience if needs be. but who now
foresaw sickening deprivation. "You
can't mean 1t. Saunders!'
II certainly do, sir. The mint is
holding out well. though, sir. think
1t will last"
by George. that is calamityw
groaned Chase. Flow is man to
fight without cigarettesY"
Genevra quietly proffered the one
she had not lighted, quizzical smile
in her eyes.
MY contribution to the cause" Hhe
said gayly. what strange creatures
men are! You will go out and be shot
at all day and YET She paused and
looked Mt the cigarette as If it were
entitled to reverence.
st does seem bit silly. doesn't it,"
ldmented the stalwart Chase. Then
he took the cigarette.