Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-12-19

SO SOBSS lb III SolS
he found his anger slowly rising, not
against any II in particular. but
against the vulgar 0stentation in which
these people moved. and the vapid as
sumption of superiority with which
they evidently ooke4i out upon the
world.
But whatever might have been lack
ing in the wit and genius of the guests
who sat at Mans tables. there could
be no question about the quality of
the dinner set before them.
When the feast ended at 1920 Nan
led the way to the ballroom. where
the entertainment by hired dancers.
singers and professional entertainers
began on an improvised stage.
During this part of the program the
women and men Of the b%anqueting
party who were to appear in the fancy
dress ball at II. including Nan, retired
to the rooms above to dress for their
parts.
Stuart noted with some establishment
the peculiar somber effects of the ball
room. He had expected a scene OF
splendor. Instead the impression was
distinctly funereal. The lights were
dimmed like the interior of a theater
during the performance. and the lofty
gilded ceilings with their mural decora-
lions seemed to be draped In tilmy
black Grape.
The professional entertainment be-
gan on the little stage amid a univer-
sal gable which made it impossible
for anything saw pantomime to be in
telligible beyond the footlights. Star
after star, whose services had cost
$1,000 each for one hour, appeared
without commanding the slightest at
tention.
Stuart turned tx the program in his
hand and idly read the next number:
IA song by an unknown star"
He was wondering what joke the
manager vas about to perpetrate on
the crowd when his ear caught the first
sweet notes Of Harriet's voice singing
the old song he loved so we'll, the song
she had first sung the day he came
from the south.
His heart gave a throb of pain. Who
could have prepared this humiliation
for his little pal? He pushed his way
through the throng of chattering fools
until he stood alone straight in front of
the slender little singer. She saw him
at once, smiled and sang as he had
never heard her sing. To his further
surprise Stuart saw the doctor stand
ing in the shadows at the corner of the
stage looking I'VE the gossiping, noisy
crowd with a look of anger and horror.
When the last note of the song died
away. quivering with a supernatural
tenderness and passion, he brushed a
tear from his eyes, lifted his hands
high above his head and made q mo.
Zion which said to her. '"Tumultuous
applause"
She nodded and smiled. and he rush
ed behind the scenes to ask an expla
nation.
He grasped both her hands ant
found them cold and trembling will
excitement.
What On earth does this mean?'
Simply that | was engaged to sing
tonight, and I wanted to surprise you
Didn't you like my song?"
1t lifted me to the gates of heaven
dear"
Then l don't care whether any one
else heard it or not. But 1 did so mucl
wish that she might have heard it Of
her husband because they are from the
south"
But l don't understand-your father
hates Bivens So"
A big hand was laid on his shoulder
he turned and faced the doctor smiling
But l don't hate him. my boy! I've
given up such foolishness. We've
buried the Ratchet. I'm to see him IL
a few minutes and we are to be good
friends"
"Bivens invited you here to discuss
a business proposition tonight" Stuart
exclaimed. blankly.
mo, no.. no." the doctor answered
II came with Harriet. Of course. Hel
uuuSlc teacher pldceu uer Oh lue pro
gram. But Mr.. Bivens and l have had
some correspondence and I'm to see
him in q little While and talk things
over quite informally. of course. but
effectively"
HE has agreed to a conference
here?" the young lawyer asked,
anxiously.
why. of course. His butler has just
told me he would see me Immediately
after the ball begins"
Stuart breathed easier and turned tc
Harriet.
You look glorious tonight. little pal,
Funny that l eve saw you in even.
ing dress before. You look so tall and
queenly. so grown. so mature. You're
beginning to make me feel old, child.
III be thinking Of you as a grown
woman next"
II am t~wenty-four. you know" she
said, simply.
II have eve believed it until to.
night. l wouldn't have known you at
first but for your voice. had to rub
my yves Them