The Washington herald., 1921-09-18
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romantic Elmira Downs, who might have
been one of the pioneers II she had not fol-
lowed the win O. the wisp of mistsfen
ideal in marrying the swsshbuckhnG Aeness
She had the same confident feeling OF
being able to cope with anything, and his
carried her hr,ush the long reception bne.
through those few awkward minutes before
she was annexed to the party Of her friends
of the sfternoon, through an od-fsshioned
waltz with the Boston club wom.n's hus-
band, which left them bresthless and httls
dizzy right in front Of the Governors party.
= "HeIlo, Jim," said ber partner to ths
rather bored looking Governor. You prob
ably shook hands with Mrs. splint bach
there in the line, but you didn't realise you
were meeting the best little dancer In ne
hall, 90 you'd better shake again. Thst
waltz took me back forty years. We used
10 dance, Jim, when we were young, bon
these youngsters just wslk and wisEls."
It seemed perfectly natural to the spirit
Of Elmirs Downs that the Governor should
bow low down over her hand and say,
MAY have the next dance, Mr. splintf'
"If it's . waltz" agreed Elmirs. ''Yeu
know I can't jsrI yet"
well, let's make II o waltz" clustered
the genial Bostonisn. Here you" 10 the
Governors youngest aide, tell them the
Governor wants q waltz next % be can
dance with Mrs. Splint."
Tell them to play the Blue Danube,
called the Governor, boyishly as his aide
FASTENED away.
Some minutes later as the strains Of ths
old melody died away the Governor, mop
ping his brow, managed TO gasp between
br.aths, "Jeerusslem! didn't think
could do IT," and, Offering his arm with
an exaggerated GESTURE he besued Elmirs
70 two vacant chairs along the wall Nov,
IL remember correctly. the next thing on
the program ITO get ones partner q plate
az ice cream" An aide appeared s hJ
mario and went of for two ices
So .nxro,sed were they with their ices
and conversation that they did not no1cs
III. uneasy staff across the room nervously
consulting their watches, 30 afraid vers
thew that their chief had forgotten he w.s
due at another function.
I'm sorrier than ever now, Governor,"
Elmira was saying. that you turned down
Centervflle's invitation to spesi ut cur
Old Home Week next month. I'm just BE-
I'm sorry, too, Mrs. Splint," the Gov
ernor answered. You know I an q very
busy man. Indeed / don't know when ",
let down like this before. II any one had
told me when came here tonight that I'd
be ordering up the Blue Danube and dane-
ing around with the young fellows wouldnt
have believed it. How did you do it?''
A bit embarrassed at the implied cumpn-
ment Elmira blushed. 1T must have been
the feather" she answered, laughing
"Festher!" echoed the Governor.
Yes" Elmira explained. Ever dncs
put It on I've felt sort Of enchanted, hks
Cinderella" She proceeded TO tel him In
her holiday manner, with flashes Of dry
humor, her version Of the borrowed plum,r.
At the end the Governor threw bscf ks
head and laughed uproariousy.
Some Of my stat have been trying fu
twenty minutes TO tell me It's time ~ v<s
going" said he ruefuIIy.
Elmira rose, shy and a little euutured "A
the Nsy abe had monopolised d. big mans
evening.
DO you know Tn rcins to put smother
feather In your hat" he smiled down M h~r
a. he shook her hand in parting. You e..
20 back to CenterriIle and ten your 0S
Home Week Committee that I'm rutnx o
reconsider that invitatdou.-
TrHE early September sun "a, v,rrt,~
= up the Splint dining room, . fsw dsu
later. Dicie turned from sorting Ii. morning
mail to her mother, who IN her tow chair
BY the window was carefully rippinf ths
white feather from her black velvet hat
declare, Ma, il seems 70 me you'v, dp,s
nothing these Last two weeks but rtp IL md
sew on that feather. Feeling any better NV.
Pa" to Aeneas, who cam. in from III.
Kitchen with his arms full Of wood
I'm all right An needed vas 70 n,
back to your Mas hom. cooking. nr.
hotel stun was too rich for me- A.pe>,
dumped his load Of wood into ths ba1 spS
made show Of tidyins I'D the hearth II.
mira watched him from the t,il Of her ~,
while quiet smile played about her r,o,th
Inc unusual silence Of this family rr~u,
vas broken By . voice from the door.
Any mail for mel" asked Joe S<~n
drawing Of his glove and w.rmfnr n,
hands over the little Frsnkiln stowe -.Har
Bnos wasn't feeling very vel, % thouxh
ia drop around and hear about your trip,
he said a. he ait open the long. thin esyeloo
that Dicis had handed him.
Holy csts! Listen 10 this, foTls, n
Governor 10 coming 70 Oentsrvins sfs-
an"
Elmirs laid down the feather .nS falde
her hands on her CHECKED lap.
Joe eIcitedly slapped Aeneas On III. h.c
a. be read. 1T says the Governor vas .
impressed by his recent interview with ON
Of our townspeople that he has recous;drr,
our invitation. You must hsy, don. .o.,
tall talking, Enos!"