The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1918-08-07

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the quizzical eyes Of John Diversified
and her heart sank when she did no
see him. The pleasure she anticipated
turned to dull ache and she TWISTED
her lace kerchief between her fingers
as she leaned further forward hoping
to gain glimpse Of him.
Then pride came to her aid. He had
promised to be the first to meet her
and she must not let this crowd Of
cousins sense her disappointment
With light laugh that well covered
the ache at her heart, she accepted the
extended hand Of Allan Bowie and de-
scended from the high carriage.
This was two days before the ball.
"Isn't 1t too bad" Ruth Worthington
whispered to her that night, as they
went up the stairs together, "Cousin
John sent John, Jr., to Baltimore upon
affairs Of Importance. think 1t a
shame. He might have waited until
after the ball. Although John told me
nothing but death would keep him
away, there is always the chance Of
something happening. But even If he
does get back in time for the dance,
he will miss the good time we are hav-
Ing, and Cousin John was certainly
mean to choose this opportunity for
pressing business"
EleanOr's heavy heart lightened at
ter hearing this and she took her full
share Of the gayety that filled every
minute Of the day and evening. Al
though no cOquette, as were some Of
the other pretty cousins, time did not
lie heavily upon her hands, Allan Bowie
saw to that, and Alec Worthington.
Both young men were bewitched, and
between them she was kept fully Occu-
pied. The night of the dance, as she
descended the stairs, brave in her
Dolly Warden gown, no maid among
them all was lovelier, and the two
gallants, beruflled, powdered and Dress
ed in the height Of fashionable attire,
all but came to blows in their effort to
win her favor.
But mistress Eleanor minded not
that. She accepted their admiration
shyly, which was most becoming, but
underneath her pleasure was the hope
John Diversified would also find her
good to look upon. Yet, when they
left the house, early on account Of the
roads, he had not come, and there was
a tiny misgiving lest he might not be
In time to see her in the wonderful
gown or to claim the minuet he had
begged for.
Ruth pinched her as she was about
to step into the carriage, whispering,
as she handed her a small package:
II wonder If you can guess what this
is? John Eversfield's Tom brought it.
I'm dying Of curiosity. Slip back into
the house and open 1t before grand
mother comes. There's time" and
giving the girl a push, Ruth stepped
into her place and gave back tit for
tat, as the two young men called for
an explanation Of Eleanor's sudden dis
appearance.
And In her room the girl was looking |
with fluctuating color upon a pearl-en-
circled miniature while she opened |
with fingers that trembled the note
twisted about the slender golden chain.
There was only line, but 1t made Of |
life beautiful thing. sfor it asked for
that which she was glad to give.
Over and over she read the single |
line: "Dear. will you wear this for my
sakef-John." Then she slipped 1t |
into the bosom Of her dress. With hes
tating fingers she clasped the chain
about'her neck, but overcome by mod
asty at so Haunting her lovers NINA.
ture for curious eyes to look upon, she
hid 1t among the ruffies Of her gown
and hastily ran down the stairs, a radi-
ant thing that took away ones breath.
Measure after measure was danced
before John Diversified appeared that
night. and when he came. one arm was
N sling. IAN accident" he told them
lightly, as he made his way to Flea
10r's side, where he stood so as to cut
her of from the view of others.
tom did not reach 'Croome' In
liner" he asked, leaning toward her.
"Yes," she answered breathlessly. II
wear 1t here"
but not before them all?"
Inc color came and went upon her
ace. Il could not with you not pres
mt. I had no courage"
sand nowi"
She drew the miniature from among
Ter laces. letting 1t fall upon her
breast. 1T is different now. With
'ou have no fear Of what Is said"
"Then come" He extended his hand
IS the slow music Of the minuet filed
he room. and together they took their
places, In the sight Of all, man and
maid promised to each other.