The state herald., 1910-03-25

watching CnlneSe attenOant NgntlnS
the colored lanterns suspended along
the balcony roof. A sudden rocket
went swiftly and sizzling up from out
the center of the great plaza below,
and my eyes followed its swift flight
into the black sky until 1t burst into
thousand miniature stars.
When turned once again, now half
inclined to beckon a waiter and order
the serving Of dinner, newly arrived
company of guests had taken posses
sion of the small round table Just
within the open window. Three were
In the party, apparently father. moth
er and daughter. beyond question of
high social class. Paterfamilias, sit
ting in stately dignity at what might
be considered the head OF the board,
a broad napkin spread across his right
knee, was typically aristocratic. Of
spare figure, stern lean face, with iron
gray hair, and mustaches trimmed to
perfect point. his eyes. cold and
emotionless. cleaning like steel points
behind goldrimmed glasses-a man
certainly over 60. possessing to the
extreme that irritating hauteur pos
sible only to an Englishman of recog-
nized family and position. The lady
occupying the seat opposite him. whom
l naturally presumed to be his wife.
was feshy enough to own an ample
double chin, which dropped to vaster
expanse below; most extensively
gowned. her fingers laden with dia-
monds, and lorgnette at her eye,
through which she deliberately sur
veyed the assembled company. Her
evident attempt at duplicating the
calm haut-ton Of her emotionless COM
panion was nevertheless somewhat OF
counterfeit, as 1t failed to conceal
wholly slight twinkle OF amusement
| curving the corners of her mouth. and
certain slight vulgar uneasiness OF
manner. His ideal was evidently that
of marble statue, cold, immaculate,
his slightest movement revealing the
frigidity OF one born to the purple,
while my lady retained some sem
| blance to flesh and blood. although
well veneered by long social artifice.
| He was nature, while she had evident
ly been developed by skill; yet the
matron. TO my thinking. proved far the
more interesting specimen OF the two.
Il must confess. however, wasting
precious little attention upon either,
for my eyes early rested upon the
younger woman seated between tho
two. and hence directly confronting
me. | will not say | never saw a fair.
err picture Of womanhood Just when
the lovely flower becomes n blossom
fully blown. yet assuredly none other
ever possessed for me the same in.
definable fascination. the same In
effable charm. twenty-five. possibly,
although her age was difficult 70 guess.
with oval face and clear. fresh skin.
the rich, red blood OF perfect health
crimsonips the rounded cheeks: eyes
OF deepest. darkest gray. the kind of
eyes pledging n thoughtful soul be-
hind TO yield them such rare power OF
expression; n face rejecting the Joy
OF living. yet responsive, and. In mo-
ments OF quietness. saddened beyond
Its years; an enhancing dimple visible
In the rather broad chin; the lips
moist and rosy with health, sufficiently
parted to reveal n tantalizing glimpse
OF white, regular teeth behind: tho
forehead low and broad, the wealth OF
shadowing hair OF darkest brown, yet
with an odd CLEAN OF reddish gold
causing the gathered masses TO seem
an aureole OF beauty. But II was not
tho out Ward fac. atapa nos .,y ,..,