The Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 191?-19??, 1919-07-02

tAic 4uiINitdiH eyes OF JONI lIfefSuelu,
and her heart sank when she did not
see kim. The pleasure she anticipated
turned to dull ache and she twisted
her lace kerchlef between her fingers
as she leaned further forward hoping
to grin a 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 disappolntme
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"
EIeanor's heavy heart lightened af-
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 uponher 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, Beruflied powdered and dress
cd 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 |
n 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:
Il 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 it before grand
mother comes. There's time" and |
giving the girl q push. Ruth stepped |
into her place aud gave back tit for
tat as the two young men called for
an explanation of Eleanor's sudden dis
And in her room the girl was looking |
with fiuctuating 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 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
ake?-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
esty at so Haunting her lovers mlnia-
lure for curious eyes to look upon, she
hid 1t among the ruffles of her gown
and hastily ran down the stairs, 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. "An accident" he told them
lightly, as he made his way to Flea
1or's side, where he stood so as to cut
ler off from the view Of others.
'Tom did not reach 'Croome' In h
tme?' he asked, leaning toward her. {
'Yes," she answered breathlessly. 81
wear it here"
'But not before them all?"
The color came and went upon her
ace. 81 could not with you not pres
mt had no courage" N
"And now2"
She drew the miniature from among =
Ter laces, letting 1t fall upon her q
,reast. at is different now. With ,
'Ou have no fear of what Is said"
''Then come" He, extended his hand r
IS the slow music of the mlnuet filed I
he room, and together they took their {
'laces, in the sight of all, man and
maid promised to each other.