The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-08-12
CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.
XmInster is all alive. simmering, nuo-
bling Owe. with excitement; the magnates
are adjusting ribbons, fitting wreaths.
scenting pocket handkercAiefs, stretching
gloves. tyiug white neck cloths. and 9TH
.erwise preparing for che momentous even
snx. The inferior clay Of Minister hover
about the gateway Of The George hotel
I'm all that exhilaration of spirits that
sxratuitous sightseeing is won't to produce
among the multitude. 1t is bur momen-
cary glimpse Of some hundred OF so OF
1adies and gentlemen in evening atnre
shat is destined 10 be the reward OF eneir
patience but then. you see. Minister Is
q town in which the stream OF HE runs
SO siuggishIy Circuses. conjurerss lee
1urers. monologue entertainers, ETC., are
gather shy Of minister; the little town
Is SO thoroughly habituated TO retiring to
xest at an early hour. that even the visits
of some of these talented and adventur-
Gus beings have failed to tempt the in
hnbitants to forego their beds Or to ex-
pend their silver
Bat the dullese village in England rec
a,guIxes some occasions in the year on
xwhich dreary mirth takes the place OF
melancholy stagnation. They were two /.
xhe fair and the dispensary ball It Is
the latter carnival which Is at present
causing the pulse of Minister to beat
with feyerish rapidity, aud the popula-
zion are already waiting to display their
critical acumen on the bellies Of town and
country.
The dear old country dddles are playing
their somewhat superannuated dance mu-
sic with ali 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,
<asfefuIly dressed. in valse and quadrille,
In the queer old room with its still queer
er attempts at decoration in those gaudy
fessoons OF artificial flowers. But state
Az 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 whiris BY
..Who is she? She moves ike queen
amongst the rest, and they are good-look-
ing girls. too, some Of them" And the
speaker, q rather coarse-looking dark
man. a little the wrong side OF thirty,
turned for information to the knot of
u,en be was lounging with az the door.
Haven't you ever seen her before,
Pearman7 No, | suppose you hardly
could have done She goes out but little
that's Maude Denison-"
What daughter of old Denison OF
GIinn7"
aJust so-former owner of all those fat
acres which have since fallen into your
respected progenitor's possession :" and a
slight infection Of voice just italicized the
euithet: for Gus Brisden was of good
old county family, and had little reyer-
ence for the Pearmans Of Mannersley.
Yes. very handsome was Maude Deni-
son. She was q beauty of the regal or
der. and her stately carriage alone would
have sufficed to make men ask, Who is
sheY' even without the rich brown
fresses, proud grey eyes. and regular fea-
lures.
II FAUST know her r said Pearman.
AsCan you introduce me, Brisden?
sNo: barely know her myself re-
piled Gus
II must 20 and find somebody who
can" and Pearman hurried away.
Apparently he was successful, for,
shortly afterwards he led out Miss Deni-
son for q quadriIle, during which Mr..
Pearuan did his uttermosf to make him
self agreeable He was a very earthly
piece Of clay, but be had enjoyed the
advantage OF q 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 maans the least agreeable partner she
had had that evening. She bad 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 be
exclaimed, MY dear Maude, how could
you dance with that manr
(which. Grenville7" inquired Miss
Denlson, smiling. Il have danced with
q good many tonight including your
sweet self, cousin mine"
Don't be absurd. Maude; you know
gerry we'll whom mean-shat dark man
your last partner"
sand wherefore should / not dance
xyith him?" inquired Miss Denison.
s.For a hundred reasons. His name
alone should have sufEiced to prevent t."
aDear me-" laughed the young lady,
.,,errilv. .You have plqueG my woman's
curiosity. Do tell me WHO this monster
If inEauity Is, for, truth to say / did
not catch bis name when be was intro
daced 10 me-"
~Ysu didn't know who he was! !