Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-09-28


been employed for two years. The
first thing did on my return to the
factory that morning was to step
over to the mail rack to see If any
letters had come for me in my aD-
sence. There were several and took
them over 70 my desk and opened
them hurriedly for I was anxious 70
begin work or the report of my trip,
which had been decidedly successful.
None of the missives was important,
and | was just about to relegate them
to a corner OF my desk for future
perusal when my glance fell on
small square envelope which had
overlooked in my hurry The hand
writing was a woman's and with a
quick jerk | tore open the flap. This
is what / read
"Mr. and Mrs Oscar Cramp request
the pleasure of Mr. James Hanson at
dance to be given in honor of their
daughter. Miss Ethel Cramp, at the
Hotel Bedford, Wednesday evening at
nine o'clock"
II this simple invitation rad been
gift check for 81 900. It would not have
opened my eyes wider.
Mr. Cramp was the president Of the
mandatory. His wife was the social
arbiter OF the town. Why should they
invite me to the dance in honor Of
their daughter?
There must be some mistake, yet
a second look at the invitation told
me there was no mistake on their part
at least. Butt could not go. want
ed to accept the invitation but 1t
would be impossible. | was rackng
my brain for some excuse when Mr..
Cramp himself came through the
room. As he entered his office. he
turned, saw me, and motioned TO me
to follow him. In a moment. l was
in his private Office.
Hanson, you're coming to the
dance tonight, aren't your" he asked.
why, no sir, l'm-I'm afraid |
can't" 1 suffered THAT is. under
the circumstances. / think I'd bet
ter
"Bosh!" he cut in, of course you're
coming. Miss Dorothy Walker is to
be there-vou wouldn't mind seeing
her, would you?"
Mention of Dorothy Walker threw
an Illuminating light on the subject.
This drove me to speak the truth.
I'm sorry. Mr.. Cramp." l said,
''but the fact is haven't clothes suit
able to wear. l haven't a dress suit
to my name You can understand now
why I've hesitated."
Good for you. Hanson" he said:
that's nothing TO be ashamed Of
Why | never owned a dress suit till
was forty years old. Put on your hat
and go down to Solomon's He'll fit
you out like the best of them Ysu'll
look fine, and nobodyll be the wiser
Go now and come back and tell me
how you make out"
"How did You succeed?" he asked.
"Splendidly," l declared He gave
me a perfect fit and I'll try to forget
that the suits rented and enjoy my
self as much as possible"
With the self-assurance evening
clothes give to man. presented my
self at the Bedford shortly after nine
o'clock The big ballroom was all
a-glitter with lights and decorations.
After ! had become accustomed to
the beauty of the scene that contin-
ually shifted before my gaze began
TO look for Dorothy Walker.
Finally, spied her in small
group. My heart bounded: then
Jealous chill ran through me- slM
was with Braxton, our assistant cash,
Ter. Braxton was rather a surly indi-
vidual who several times had snubbed
me at the factory Naturally. my re-
gard was not of high degree
70. Mr. Hanson, I'm awfully glad TO
see you" she exclaimed. extendlng
her hand You know Mr.. Braxtun.
don't your,
Eyes, / know Mr.. Braxton. Good
evening. sir / said cheerfully.
Good evening" snapped Braxton.
and he turned his head to salute some
one who was passing.
confined my attention to Miss
Walker without further ado.
please give me a dance. won't
you | asked
why didn't you let me know you
were coming?" asked my fair partner.
II just got back TO town today" |
explained in the maze of the dance
Then under the intoxtcation OF the
moment, said. Would you have
gone with me II / had asked You
several days ago."
II was a rash question. but for an
swer she smiled up at me
who knows?" she parted. But
then maybe therell be another dance
this winter"
That was enough for me- | knew
Mt that instant that the insolent Brax
ton didn't have an advantage over
me so / took courage to request an,
other dance.
AS / left her at her seat | saw Brax
ton eyeing me curiously. though he
said nothing. Several times in the
next half hour found him near me
regarding me critically. After my sec
ond dance with Miss Walker he glared
at me. paid no attention to him
Hanson" he said, as half whirled
to see what he wanted, come out into
the smoking-room. want to see
you"
Hanson" he asked, with c"rl
of his lip. where did you get that
suit of elothes?"
what b, siness is that of yours?'