St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1910-07-29
AT THE VAN DER
BOER PARTY
BY J. RALEIGH NELSON


Jacks handkerchief that morning. put
note in his lunch box, fastened
rubber band around the stem OF bis
watch, and as she waved him a last
farewell from the porch she called;
Now. Jack. don't forgeti BE sure to
come home on the five o'clock train.
II was the busy week preceding
March examinations, and Dora, for
all her precaution, felt no assurance
that Jack would remember her in
functions, but TO her surprise and de-
light. he came at the time appointed.
Dinner was eaten with all possible ex.
pedltlon. the dishes stacked. un-
washed. in the sink, and they rushed
upstairs TO dress. The narrowing eI-
periences incident upon the assump-
tion Of unfamiliar garments absorbed
them both too completely for any dis
cussion Of their evenings plans.
At 7iiO they boarded the train for
the city. and arrived at the Wells
street station az 1891 by the big clock.
Jack consulted his watch, setting Il
forward three minutes. Then he
asked:
Say. Dora. you said II was a wed.
ding. didn't your"
Dora laughed. but she was evidently
annoyed
why. my dear. I don't believe you
heard one word OF what ] said this
morning It's Clara Farinsworth's
wedding"
"oh. yes" asscnted Jack. sagely
noddlng his head: u remember the
whole matter perfectly.
He began TO watch the street signs
on the lamps nj the corners, and sud
denly thrust his head out Of the win
dow and called 90 the driver 10 halt
Driver. this ia Forty.third street.
Stop at-Dora. what's the numberH'
"why. told you this morning. Jack.
declare don't remember"
"wel. you have the invitation with
you. Of courso7" Jacks tone was a lit
tie sharp.
why. Jack. you know haven't n
pocket In this dress Dear. dear. what
shall we do1"
Jack was beginning to laugh. Tho
driver showed signs Of impatienco.
Jack opened the door and stepped
out
"Hurrah. Dora" he cried. there u
IL In the next block"
She put her head out Of the open
door
"oh. yes. that's iti o eoursei"
A block away. carriages we're dri.
wing up 20 n brilliantly ugnted house.
Jack got In. and they rolled up TO
the canvas. a.coverod passage way. A
colored footman opened the carriage
door aud helped Dora 10 alight They
passed up tho velvet carpet 10 the
massive doors which swung open aa
by magic, and they were uahered up
the splendid staircase 10 the dressing
rooms. Dora glanced In surprise
about her at ths paintings along the
walls the expensive hanginga, and tho
elaborate appointments on every hand.
They've evidently struck Il rich In
some way" she eonfded 90 Jack at
the top Of the stairs. as he fahed her
clean gloves and fan from the depths
OF his pocket
In the dressing room Dora met two
or three OF the ladies whom she had
known that memorable winter with
Aun Susan,
AZ the foot OF the stairs a pompous
eolored man received their cards upon
a silver tray, and stepping TO the
archway announced;
MIR aud Mrs. John Mituison
Perkins"
Dora gave one last little touch 10
her hair, drew long breath and
swept into the presence OF the re-
eeiying party One swift glance along
the line and she realized that there
was among them not one face that
she had ever seen before.
She had time only for a frightened
gasp An imposing elderly gentleman
was greeting her with stereotyped
courtesy
$50 glad TO see you. Mrs Perkins.
wife, this Is Mrs Perkins Glad TO
see you this evening. Mr Perkins"
Good evening. Mrs Perkins" the
resplendent lady with the white hair
and elaborate aigretie was saying
Have you met our youngest daugh-
ter9 Daughter, this Is Mrs Perkins"
This little social device passed
them eXpeditiously along the line aud
swept them out into a back eddy In
the crowd. where they had a minute 10
catch their breath.
why. where's the wedding partyG"
asked Jack, blankly
Hush. warned Dora. Don't say
one word 20 any one about a wedding
IN explain later Why, good evening.
Mrs William Have you met my
hushand9 | believe not"
And In a minute they were the cen,
ter of an animated group OF Dora's
old aeqnaintances
The expression on Jack Perkins
face was a study, and as soon as she
could bring II about with any sort
OF grace, Dora said sweetly' - know