The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-10-10

at the mouse good deal, as he told
you"
II don't think he meant to boast Of
it," she said. "He spoke quite
calmly" she retorted, as her partner
for the next dance arrived.
She took wing away on the breeze
of the waltz, and George, having
stared gloomily after her for few
moments, postponed filling an engage
ment, and strolled round the fuctu-
ating outskirts of the dance to where
his uncle, George, Anderson, stood
smilingly watching, under one Of the
rose-vine arches at the entrance to
the room.
Hello, young namesake," said the
uncle. 'Why fingers the laggard heel
of the dancer? Haven't you got
partner?
"She's sitting around waiting for
me somewhere" said George. "See
here: Who is this fellow Morgan that
Aunt Fanny Minafer was dancing
with while ago?"
ANDERSON laughed. "He's a man
with pretty daughter, George. Me-
seemed you've been spending the eve
ming noticing something of that sort
or do l err?" 8is.4 II
'Neyer mind! What sort is he?p
Il think We'll have to give him a
character, George. He's an old
friend; used to practice law here
perhaps he had more debts than cases,
but he paid 'em all up before he left
town. Your question is purely mer-
cenary. take it: you want to know
| his true worth before proceeding fur
| Their with the daughter. I cannot in
form you, though I notice signs of
| considerable prosperity in that be-
coming dress of hers. However, you
never can tell. 1t is an age when ev-
cry sacrifice is made for the young,
and how your own poor mother man.
| aged to provide those genuine pearl
| studs for you out of her allowance
from father can't"
"Oh, dry up!" said the nephew. 81
| understand this Morgan"
"Nrr. Eugene Morgan" his uncle
suggested. "Politeness requires that
the young should"
II guess the young didn't know
much about politeness in your day."
| George interrupted. II understand
that MI. Eugene Morgan used to be
a great friend of the family. The way
| he was dancing with Aunt Fanny"
Anderson laughed. sim afraid
your Aunt Fanny's heart was stirred
| by ancient recollections, George"
+ "You meant she used to be silly
about him?"
"She wasn't considered singular
said the uncle. "He was-hes was
popular. Could you bear question:"
"What do you mean: could j
bear"
II only wanted to ask: Do you take
this same passionate interest in the
| parents of every girl you dance with?
Perhaps it's new fashion we old
bachelors ought to- Jake up. Is it the
thing this year to"
"Oh, go on!' said George, moving
| away. II only wanted to know" He
left the sentence unfinished, and
and crossed the room to where a girl
sat waiting for his nobility to find
time to fulfill his contract with her
for this dance.
pardon f. keep watt he muttered,
as she rose brightly to meet him; and
she seemed pleased that he came at
all. He danced with her perfunctor-
rily, thinking the while of Mr. Eugene
Morgan and his daughter. Strangely
enough his thoughts dwelt more upon
the father than the daughter, though
George could not possibly have given
reason-even to himself-for this
disturbing preponderance.
By a coincidence, though not an
odd one, the thoughts and conversa-
ton of Mr.. Eugene Morgan at this
very time were concerned with
George Anderson Minafer, rather cas-.
ually, it is true. Mr. Morgan had re-
tired to a room set apart for smok-
ing, ON the second floor, and had
found a grizzled gentleman lounging
in solitary possession.
"'Gene Morgan!" this person ex-
claimed, rising with great heartiness.
Il don't believe you know me!"-
"Yes, do, Fred Kinney" Mr.. Nor
gan returned with equal friendliness.
''Your real face-the one used to
know-it's just underneath the one
you're masquerading in tonight. You
ought to have changed it more if you
wanted Disguise"
"Twenty years!" said Mr.. Kinney.
sit makes some difference in faces,
but more in behavior"
at does SOP his friend agreed with
explosive emphasis.
They sat and smoked.
However" Mr.. Morgan remarked
presently, 81 still dance like an In
dian. Don't your"
mo. leave that to my boy Fred.
He does the dancing for the family"