The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1917-07-05
A MATCH
FOR SATAN
BY MARTHA v. MONROE

persons appeared, man anu woman,
who excited considerable interest. The
man represented Faust, the woman
Margherite. Presently a third person
entered. representing Mepbistopheles.
The interest was heightened by Me-
phistopheles and Faust talking togeth-
er both at the same time casting
glances at Marguerite.
THAT girl will lose her heart" said
guest representing Rob Roy to an
other dressed as Martha Washington.
'rhe fellow got up as Faust Is u lady
killer"
"And know the GIRL said the other.
"1f Faust tackles her she'll make him
regret t."
I'm tell you what you do Tell Mar
guerltc TO go for Faust. Ill tell Faust
to go Tor her. III bet you a dozen pairs
OF gloves against box Of cigars that
| win"
The bet was made. though II was ex-
pectcd that Il would result in a draw,
for II was not likely that n definite re-
suit could be obtained Faust naturally
gravitated toward Marguerite. aud the
two disappeared In an unfrequented
part OF the house, where occasional
passers saw them sitting tete-a-tete.
unmasked. They seemed very much
absorbed IN each other.
Faust left Marguerite TO keep an ell.
gagement TO dance-he had broken two
engagements for Marguerite, but the
woman with whom he had the third
came for hlm-and Mephlstopheles
Joined her. when Faust finished his
dance he came back 10 continue the
tcte-a-tete and, finding Mephlstopheles
Ia his place. scowled. Mcphlstophelcs
scowlcd back. Marguerite gave the
latter a nod. indicating that she pre-.
ferred the former. and Mephlstoph
went away sullen.
Later Marguerite danced with Me-
phlstonhelcs. while Faust was seen
standing apart. evidently in no good
humor. Whenever the couple whlrled
by Faust Mephlstophelcs gave one OF
those cha. hasr' for which the devil Il
famous Faust involuntarlly fingered
the Jewel hlltcd dagger In his belt.
BY this time this version OF the poem
OF Faust" not intended by the author
began TO attract the attention OF
small cotcrle who were In the secret Of
the bet.
Those who knew Marguerite best
were OF the opinion that she would
plunge Faust down Into the fiery fur
mace without the slightest injury 20
herself. aud there were those who con
sldcred her match for the devil.
II Is astonishing how man. when
made mad by womnn. viii forget that
he l. nm intelligent human being. And
there are cascs where no time Il re-.
quircd 10 turn his head. by common
consent Marguerite was left 20 her
lover of the poem and the party to
whom he had sold his soul To all ap.
pcaranccs Faust seemed 10 be playing
Ills part well. but Mephlstophelcs was
evidently paying more attention 10
Marguerite than does his prototype ia
the poem or IN Gounod's famous opera.
Faust. instead OF being under Mephls.
tophcles' influence. seemed TO be an.
tagonlzed by him.
~ was hUhlNiN Ahf hAHi NNNAF
mer OF dawn. when the dancers were
at their gayest. that Marguerite went
up 10 one OF the men aud excltedly
whispered something In his ear, The /
man calling another. the two hurried. /
ly left the bellro0m IA company with |
Margus>ne. As soon as they were out /
OF slght and hearing OF the dancers she
said n. them hurrledly:
'aThost two men are going 10 kin
each othsTg
"The dsvilr' exclaimed one OF the
men.
'Yes. the 1evil and Faust-Mr. Bur.
nee and Dr. Wells"
what forf" ~
"well, | suppose it's about me. Go
quick. Stop theml"
(which way did they gOl"
They're out ON the tennis court"
The two men ran out through back
ioor IL was Just light enough TO see
wO dim figures on the tennis court
hacking at each other with the short
Knives they had worn in their belts
Turing the evening. The two men and
he girl ran 10 where they We're, aud
he combatants, seeing that they had
Ittmcted attention, deslsted. One of
hose who had interfered took Faust
" the arm. and the other a large. /;
'owerful fellow took Mephistopheles
" the ear and led them back to the
IOuse and into the ballroom.
The dancing had ceased. and the
'uncers were promenading or resting
ln seeing Faust aud Mephistopheles
ed In like two naughty schoolboys
here was a shout Of laughter Mar
.uerite made for door, but she was
aught and brought back.
Even the absurdity OF the situation
ld not prevent the rivals from scowl.
ng at each other, aud. Mephlstopheles
vas unconsciously playing the part OF
'atan TO perfection,
a. ..l.an .