The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-17

job on Harry. Master Compton went to
him and said that Miss Simmons desired
the honor of walking a minuet" with
him. Harry assured him that he knew
nothing about that dance, but was told
that Miss Simmons would never forgive
him If he refused. Harry started toward
where Miss Simmons was standing with
the intention of explaining to her his In
ability to comply with her kind request.
But in the meantime Master Marsh, who
officiated as master of ceremonies had
asked Miss Simmons out to dance the
minuet and she stood waiting for the part
ner that should be brought her. When
she saw Harry approaching she was sur
prised, for she had no idea that he could
dance the minuet. But she put up her
hand, the music struck up and before
Harry could realize 1t he was exhibiting
in more senses than one with Miss Sim
mons, while the room looked and laughed.
But he was resolute youth and being
In it, he resolved to get through the ordeal
the best he could. He initiated the mo-
lions of his partner as well as he was
able, but in such an awkward manner as
to put the whole room In a litter His
partner was scarcely less embarrassed
than himself. and, wishing to shorten the
exhibition, after crossing once, pre- sented
her hand to Harry
He, unfortunately, had not remarked
the nature of this maneuver with perfect
accuracy and so, imagining that one hand
was just as good as another he offered
A. a tic Iaft bor cfo of hia
right At this a universal peal of merri-
ment broke from the company and Miss
simmons, wishing to close the scene at any
rate, presented her partner with both
hands and abruptly finished the dance
The unfortunate couple then retreated to
the lower end of the room and the Jests
and sneers of the company, especially
Master Marsh and Master Compton, who
assumed unusual credit for such bril-
liant invention, followed them. With some
dispieasure Miss Simmons asked Harry
why he had exposed himself and his part
ner by attempting what he was totally
ignorant of. and added that, though there
was no particular disgrace in not being
able to dance, 1t was very great folly to
attempt it without having learned a single
step.
Harry explained the matter and the
young lady, recovering her former good
nature, said: well Harry, you are not
the first, nor shall be the last by thou
sands, who have made ridiculous figure
in a ballroom without so good an excuse.
But am sorry to see that with these
young gentlemen all their polite knowl-
edge of life has not taught them better
manners. In order to acquire really good
manners both kindness of heart and
right way of thinking are necessary And
therefore many people content themselves
with aping what they can pick up in the
gestures, dress or cant of the higher
classes, just like the poor ass who dressed
himself In the skin of a lion and was
taken for the lion himself until his un-
fortunate braying exposed him. l never
see Master Marsh o. Master Compton
without expecting to hear him bray"
When the time for refreshments came
Harry brought to Miss Simmons a tray
upon which were cakes, lemonade and
helping herself to some wine and water
Master Marsh determined upon another
pleasantly, and, pretending to stumble,
pushed against Harry with such force
that the contents of the glasses was dis
charged into the bosom OF the young lady
Harry could contain himself no longer.
There was fight which IT. 'ew the whole
room into conservation When the com.
batants had been separated Harry went
off to bed, where he tried to forget~his
modification in sleep-and as he was
young and healthy he succeeded. Next
morning Mr. Merton, learning the whole
truth Of the incidents OF the preceding
night, reproved the young gentlersp 10
had SO annoyed Harry and bade the
youths be friends again.
AZ some Of the young gentlemen who