The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-09

ton whispered to her that night, as
they went up the stairs together,
Cousin John sent John, jr., to Balti-
more upon affairs of Importance. I
think it a shame He might have
waited until after the ball. Altho
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 having. ana Cousin John was
certainly mean to choose this oppor-
tunity for pressing business"
Eleanor's heavy heart lightened
after hearing this and she took her
full share of the gayety that filled
every minute of the day and evening.
Altho no coquette, as were some or
the other pretty cousins, time did not
lie heavy upon her hands. Allan
Bowie saw to that, and Alec Worth
ington. Both young men-were be-
witched, and between them she was
kept fully occupied. 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. beruffled, powdered
and dressed in the height of fashion
able 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 mad not come, and there was
tiny misgiving lest he might not be
in time to see h r 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:
Il wonder if you can guess what this
is? John Eversfeld's Tom brought it.
Pm dying of curiosity. Slip back into
the house and open it 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
disappearance.
And in her room the girl was look
ing with fluctuating color upon a
pearl-encircled miniature while she
opened with fingers that trembled the
note twisted about the slender golden
chain. There was only a line, but it
made of life a beautiful thing, for 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
ke?-John." Then she slipped it
into the bosom of her dress. With hes
itating fingers she clasped the chain
about her neck, but overcome by mod
esty at so Haunting her lovers minia-
ture for curious eyes to look upon, she
hid 1T among the ruffles of her gown
and hastily ran down the stairs, a rad
liant thing that took away ones breath.
Measure after measure was danced
before John diversified appeared that
night, and when he came. one arm was
in a sling. AN accident" he told them
lightly, as he made his way to Flea
nor's side, where he stood so as to cut
her off from the. view of others.
| Tom did not reach 'Croome' in
time?" he asked leaning toward her.
Yes" she answered breathlessly,
II wear it here"
But not before them all?"
The color came and went upon her
| face. Il could not with you not pres
ent. I had no courage"
And now?"
| She drew the miniature from among
her 1aces. letting it fall upon her
| breast. 1T is different now. With
you have no fear of what is said"
Then come" He extended his hand
as the slow music of the minuet filled
| the room, and together they took their
places. in the sight of all. man and
| a maid promised to each other.
| Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)