The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1911-04-21
conversation was ended.

Dorothy, she is in a queer position,
and l am truly sorry for her. But I
must admit I think she is a charming
young woman, and I am almost wish
ing that I will be the lucky chosen
guets. Yes, she did speak nicely of me,
and l would like to speak nicely of
her too, to someone, but there are so
many young men here who are con-
stantly speaking of her, and for fear
that might entangle things, I will not
utter word. But I certainly do like
Miss Dorothy. | think I will write a
postal to my mother and tell her
will not be home for a week"
All the guests were downstairs now,
chatting with the ladies. Dinner was
announced and the whole company
filed into the diningroom. Everyone
enjoyed the meal, but to Norman
Therwald it was especially enjoyable,
as he was sitting next to Miss Doro-
thy. Many toasts were made to Miss
Dorothy and to the success of her par
ty. Each and every man openly de-
clared that he would be delighted to
be the chosen one. Miss Dorothy gave
each one bright smile and an appro-
pirate answer. After the supper the
guests departed to the ball room,
which was beautifully decorated for
the occasion.
May I have the first dance with
you, Miss Sherry-Randolph? said
TherwaId to the young hostess.
Why, yes, Mr.. Therwald, with
pleasure" The beauty of the couple
while dancing caused many pleasant
remarks from the other participators.
Now, Miss Sherry-Randolph, am a
total stranger to you, but allow be to
call you Miss Dorothy and also to tell
you that you look charming this even
ing. Please excuse my forwardness. "
Your forwardness is excused, Mr..
Threwald, but don't do it again. l am
the person to give all the compliments
this evening as well as to make all
approaches"
Mr.. Therwald said nothing more on
this subject to Miss Dorothy, but he
wished that he had said what he
meant to say, Il really like you, Miss
Dorothy" but he did not say it.
During the course of the evening
Miss Dorothy and her mother we're
talking about the guests, and, as they
were behind mass of palms, no one
saw them. Mr.. Therwald was, at the
same time, getting a glass of punch at
the punch table which was near the
palms, and for the second time over
heard a conversation that was not
meant for him.
Mother. 1 think I really like Mr..
Therwald. OF all my guests, think
he cares more for me than for my
money. think most of the men are af-
ter my money more than they are af-
ter me-
But, Dorothy, dear, seven million
dollars is quite a sufficient amount for
which any man should dare. l wonder
if Mr.. Therwald has any money; but
if you like him, Dorothy, you will need
no more money than your seven mil
lions to make you happy. But Mr..
Therwald does not look like a man
who would be after money.
Now" thought Therwald what do
care for seven million dollars? It is
nothing to me in comparison to Doro-
thy Sherry Randolph. This conversa-
ton, l wish l had not heard"
Dorothy and her mother came from
behind the palms, still discussing the
ilkeliness of Therwald's success.
Miss Dorothy, may I claim this
dance also? I much prefer dancing
with you than with any lady here"
The young lady made no reply to this
remark, but began dancing with Mr.
Therwald
The week was almost at an end and,
indeed, it was very pleasantly spent
by all the guests. Not once did Their
valid regret the accident to his auto,
nor regret his absence from the state
ball 1t was Thursday night This
night would decide the result of the
unusual purpose
All the guests were anxiously wait
ing Each Of the twelve men wished
for Miss Dorothy But of all the
guests Therwald was the most ner-
vous. 4 love Miss Dorothy I wonder
if she knows it. Where did ever see
such a beautiful, yet such a frank
face" Such were the thought sof
Therwald And my most hospitable
hostesses do not yet know that I am
not the twelfth guest. How would
love TO win Miss Dorothy, just for that