Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-05-27
Royston drew Elizabeth's hand
th ro,, 81, hts orvp

with timid eyes, drawing back a little
To allow some people who had just
nlighted from big car to pass; then
she caught her breath with a sharr
sound Of dismay, as just in front OF
her she saw her aunt and Dolly.
Neither of them had seen her. They
were both too intent on pushing their
wny through the crowd.
Dolly was wearing another new
frOck: Elizabeth noted the fact sub j.
consciously, and felt n little wave OF
gratitude to Meta, for having lent her
the blue chiffon.
A rather worried looking youth.
with kindly. vapid face. was escOrting
were all three lost to sight.
Elizabeth gave sigh Of relief. She
could not help little thrill Of appre
hcnsion MS to what Mrs. Mason would
say when she saw her.
There vas n terrific crush to get into
the house and up the staircase. The
ball was a subscription affair, given by
the philanthropic wife Of one of the
very newest knights. with an excellent
eye to advertisement, and Elizabeth felt
little scared when she parted from
Isoyston and found. herself being jostled
and elbowed in the cloakroom.
She told one Of the attendants shyly
who she was. and that she was not
supposed to dance until she was sent
for.
Shall I have to stay here in this
crowd all the time?" she asked anx. {.
iously.
The attendant smiled.
Just leave your wraps and III take
you to one Of the sitting rooms" She
'ooked at Elizabeth curiously. Miss
stacey is not coming, them" she asked
Elizabeth flushed.
She sprained her ankle very badly
THIS morning. 30 Mr.. Royston had to
Stacey"
I've seen her dance with Mr.. Roy.
SION many times. Come this way,
please, miss
Elizabeth was thankful to get out Of
the crush. The heat of the place was
already great. and the incessant chat.
'ering and laughter got on her nerves.
You will tell Mr.. Royston where
am: she asked. and Their she added
with relief. "Oh. mere he is" as Roy.
ston came into the room.
Feeling nervous?" he asked smii.
ing: What an awful crush. ism t it,"
les. but | shan't be nervous when
with you
Royston made no dnswer. and she
said. My aunt and Dolly are here -
Really" His color deepened. 81
wonder what they will sayi"
Nothing; they just won't own me ="
Elizabeth said quietly.
lie wandered round the room. star.
ng atmlcssly at the pictures and orna
ments.
Probably Farmer will be here,
too he said abruptly, after q mo
ment.
Elizabeth shook her head.
Not with Dolly; she told ME weeks
ago that they had quarreled."
II see.' He moved suddenly, push
ing center table out of the way.
Come here and try that last step with
me. l know you've got it all right, but
we may as well make sure
Elizabeth slipped of her cloak, and
shook out the dainty frills of her skirt.
ITS perfectly beautiful frock."
She said revcrently, gently patting the
little rosebud chains on her white
shoulders.
Royston's eyes were upon her.
You will have much finer frocks
than that some day." he said. Then
he added reminiscently, 1T seems a
long time ago since first met you; YOU
were such a frightened little thing.
lou ye changed great deal. Miss Con-
yers."
She flushed sensitively.
II haven't changed at all, not in nv
heart" she told him earnestly. "T'm
Just the same as I was then. Just the
same. and ! always shall be"
will you?" he smiled. II won.
der
lie went over to the door, opened it
and set 1t ajar.
You Have Changed. Fair Lady"
I'VE can hear the music from here:
they've started already. Come along"
lie put his arm around her waist.
I'm almost afraid to touch you. to.
night he said You look like
Dresden shepherdess.
Elizabeth did not answer. and neither
of them spoke as they went through the
ast part Of the exhibition dance.
Elizabeth's feet seemed hardly to
touch the ground. She was SO small
and slight that she was like a slender
reed In RoystOn's clasp: their steps
time and place were forgotten until
Royston stopped abruptly, gently re-
leasing her.
Meta need not have been afraid
that You would fall" he said.
He still held Elizabeth's right hand
in his.
That will do; mustn't tire you.
They won't want us for an hour or 80.
III send YOU In some wine.'
"Wine!" Elizabeth's eyes opened
wide in horror. Il couldn't" She
laughed merrily. why. l should just
full down fiat on the floor If | had
ANY,"
Royston laughed. too.
1--WE won't risk it. then. Wen have
some supper afterward. 10 you mind
II l smoke?"
please do
He sat down on the edge of the
table, which he had pushed out of the !
renter Of the room, and lit a cigar.
ptte.
Elizabeth stood watching him, her
cheeks flushed, her breath coming
fast.
"Now you look just like you did the
first night l saw you." she said i'm
pulsively. "You were sitting on the
table just like you are now. 1t might
1T might be that night" she added
slowly, nothing has really changed"
Except yOu," Royston said; he
looked at her with a faint smile in
his eyes. You have changed beyond
fair LADY,
"Only my frock and my shoes"
Elizabeth said, in swift denial. land
clothes can't make any real difference. |
Oh, do you remember the ugly shoes
| wore that night?'