Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1917-01-26

anything's wrong. Nobody but you can
fix It," came through the phone.
Rose feeling that wild horses
couldn't under any other circumstances
have dragged her to that house was
forced to promise.
Promptly at eight o'clock she was
admitted to Miss Cursley's room.
''It's just dear of you to come" she
smiled, dismissing the hairdresser.
''But no one will see you. Things don't
begin till about ten you know"
Miss Cursley exclaimed delightedly
over the gown as she put it on.
Rose found alterations to make, in
fact, more than she had expected. She
worked busily, but it was getting near
ten when she had finished.
"Please put it on yourself" implored
Grace. II want to see 1t on the living
model"
She was in a kimona, snugly en-
sconsed among cushions, and declared
she was too tired to move.
Besides" she added, 81 want 1t to
be just right, so it can be a good 'ad
for you.
"Stunningw exclaimed Miss Cursley.
"And it just suits you"
Rose began to undo the fastenings,
when Suddenly there was q rush of
feet through the hall, and the cry of
fire Both girls sprang to the door to
be greeted by sitting smoke as they
|
and closing the door, but the other
excitedly dragged her toward the stair
way. A mad rush of panic-stricken
guests behind her. swept her from her
feet. At that instant she felt a strong
arm lifting her back to the landing.
She looked up to see an elderly gentle
man, whom she at once recognized as
the master of the house, quieting the
guests in firm authoritative tones.
There was not the slightest danger.
Something had burned up in the kitch-
en-, that was all. In his excitement he
was oblivious to the fact that he was
still holding tightly to the young lady
he had rescued, in spite of her futile
efforts to wriggle away. He now apollo
gized, saying he hoped to still further
smooth out matters down in the ball
room.
Rose murmured out something about
not being able to stay very long.
'Then 1 must have the first Dance"
he insisted. you owe me that, you
know for saving you fall"
The very admiring glance with which
this was accompanied, made Rose
promise, and she fled in confusion to
Miss Cursley's room.
Once inside she sank down laugh
ing, and told her the whole story.
| "Of course, now, he'll be sure I'm
villain, because 1 can't keep my prom
| ise."
20 but you must!" said the other.
| "Must" echoed Rose blankly.
why yes. l don't want to go down
before eleven I'd rather rest. You go,
and give Papa Dudgeon his dance. /
wouldn't miss this for farm!" And
the girl went off into gales of laugh
ter.
'But someone will know me-" object
ed the other
"They won't get a chance to tell
bin till you're gone"
Rose was game, and went down just
in time for her dance. She managed
to escape the notice of Dudgeon, Jr.,
till near the close of the dance she
caught his eye wide with startled
amazement. With difficulty she kept
from shaking with laughter.
The moment his father had smiling
ly bowed his thanks, Bert was at her
side.
Quick" she cried, 'let me get out
of here. This is worse than the Gin
derella stunt. I've got to be away be-
fore eleven, and not even a pumpkin
COACH"
On the way upstairs, she explained
to her dazed escort, who with sup
pressed chuckles, few minutes later,
put her in his car, and took her home,
with a promise to let her know the
outcome.
The next day he told her how a
catty woman had revealed to his IA
Their the identity of his partner, and
how Miss Cursley had rallied to Roses
defense, saying her family was as good
as anyOne's there, and ended by telling
the whole story. At this instant fig
ure doomed up in the door way and
the culprits faced Dudgeon, Sr.
Mice little business you have here,
Miss Aiken" he said briskly. Sorry
to ask you to give it up. But my son
prefers to support his wife,"