Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-05-25

| dance. they won't. and" She gave
Slight start, for near her, almost
at her elbow, stood the young seaman
she had observed only short time
! before, when the minuet was In pro-
gress. His dark eyes were bent on
her and she surprised on his face an
expression half derisory, half quizzic-
al. Her look changed to one OF dis.
pleasure.
You are not danctng?" severely.
mo my Lady" Too late, perhaps,
he regretted his ternerity-that too
unveiled and open regard.
why not?" more imperiously.
"I-" he began and stopped.
"You can dancer"
"A little, perhaps"
AS we'll as they?" looking at the
people.
Wooden fantoccini!" said the man,
q flicker OF amusement returning to
his face.
"Fantoccini?" spoke the girl impa-
tiently. What do you know Of them?'
I'VE Breton seamen sail far, on &C.
casion."
Far enough to gain IN assurance"
cried my lady, with golden head high
surveying him disdainfully through
half-colored, sweeping lashes. But you
shall prove your right"
"Right?" asked the fellow, his eyes
fixed intently upon her.
The right Of one who does not
dance-to criticize those who do
she said pointedly. and made, on the
sudden, an imperious gesture.
He gave start OF surprise; au-
dacious though he was, he looked as
If he would draw back. What? with
you, my Lady,"
A CLEAN OF satisfaction, a little cold
and scornful, shone from the girls
eyes at this evidence Of his discom-
future. Unless" she added malicious
ly, "you fear you-can not?
"Fsar?" His look shot around; a
moment he seemed to hesitate; then
more reckless expression swept
suddenly over his dark features and
he sprang to her side.
"At your Ladyship's command"
Ny lady's white chin lifted. The
presumptuous fellow knew the dance
OF tho Aount-danced it we'll, no
doubt.-else why such ease and as
suranse, Her lids yelled look OF
disappointment: she was half-minded
CURLY to dismiss him, when a few
words OF low remonstrance and the
sight OF my lords face decided her.
She drew aside her skirts swiftly;
flashed back at the nobleman a smile.
eaprieious and wilful.
They" indicating the peasants,
must have an example. my Lord"
sha exclaimed. and stood. with eyes
sparkling, waiting the instant to catch
up Tho rhythm.
But tho marquis. not finding the
reason sufficient to warrant such con-
descension, gazed with mute protest
and disapproval on the two figures,
so ill-assorted: my lady, in robe OF
the sleeves. wide and short,
trimmed at the elbow with fine lace OF
Brussels and drawn up at the shout
der with glistening knots OF diamonds;
{ the other, clad in the rough raiment
OF n seaman! The nice, critical sense
of the marquis suffered from this spec
tacle OF the homogeneous; his eyes,
seeking in vain those OF the governor
daughter, turned and rested querul'
ou.ly on the heavy-browed peasants,
most Of whom, drawing nearer, viewed
the scene with stolid Indifference. In
the gaze Of only few did that first
stupid impression suffer any change;
then 1t varied 70 one OF vague wonder,
half-apathetic inquiry!
rs he mad7" whispered O clod OF
this class to a neighbor.
mot so loud" breathed the other
in q low tone.
"But he" regarding with dull awe
the young fisherman. doesn't care!
| Look, What foolhardiness! He's
going to dance with herr"
"Witchcraft! That's what l cal!
IT,"
"Hush!"
Ny lady extended the tips OF her
| fingers. Attack WE'LL" runs the old
! Gallo injunction to dancers; the
partner she had chosen apparently
understood its significance. \ 1.-THE
muscular hand closed on the small
one; whirled my lady swiftly; half
back again. 1t took away her breath
little, so forcible and uncerenonious
that beginningi Then, obeying the
mad rhythm OF the movement, she
yielded to the infectious measure. Ar
arm quickly encircled her waist;
swept the slender form here,-there
Never had she had partner so Wig
orous, yet graceful One who under