The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1931-01-16
CHAPTER VII
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enjoying himself tremendously. Lady
Sandison, who was having an unmis-
taxable triumph. looked about her
with secret satisfaction. The terrace
toward the river was hung with
electric lanterns. The best orchestra
procurable was playing the latest
dance music, and caterer from the
city was in the kitchen.
Sir George, even Roberta admitted
1t, was a wonderful aid to any party.
He had a certain intriguing bashful-
ness Of demeanOr that made him
popular not only with the girls but
with the men.
Despite the fact that he danced
well, giving himself up to the Joy Of
1t in a way Roberta had not expected.
he had danced only once with Roberta.
He had devoted himself to her guests
both young and old who were, II
seemed TO Roberta, fiattered by his
attention. Jack was not here, had
refused to come, to Roberta's annoy
ance. She would like TO parade him
IN front of them all, especially her
fathers secretary.
Robert Macbeth looked with pride
at Roberta's 1.-THE, graceful young
figure, and her flushed face with its
soft halo OF red curls, as she danced
through the great hall and living room.
He heard discriminate praise Of her
beauty from the older men. and knew
from their actions that the younger
men thought her lovely.
He beckoned his sister to him and
said: "ru not move from here until
they go in TO supper and then you
can send August to take me to the
library. The men can join me there
after supper-at least those near my
own age. Are you enjoying yourself,
Aggy?"
"Jist fine"
THE young people seem to be hav-
ing a good time. too?" There was a
question in Robert MacBeth's voice.
Are they not? Listen to that!"
The sound OF young voices and Wig
orous applause came from the hall and
living room. Zone of they lassies is
teaching Sir George some awful-like
dance. The Black Bottom. it's called
Did you ever hear the like, Rob? And
the rest of them are standing round
singing and clapPing. It's fair awful |!
Yet somehow my Iaddie makes II look
* graceful. You like him. do you not,
RobY" She asked it with little touch
of anxiety in her voice.
= Like him?" Rob roared at her,
"Aggy. | fair dote on him. If | were
only sure he had the brains to stand
up against young American business
men I'd be tempted to give him big
boost in my business"
"Brainsi 7" She looked at her brother
with a whitening scOrn. Brains
enough to cope with your young Amer
leans? Havers. Rob Macbeth Did ye
not bring your own brains from across
the water?"
look after the guests. 1t must be time
TO start them in to supper now.
fear for your senses when it's a ques-
ton of that lad. After all, you are
nothing but his stepmother."
Aggy's eyes blazed. I'm far more
than that. I'm the only friend he's
got. and him the salt Of the earth !
Rob Macbeth. have ye any idea how
lonely that ladies been? Scarce
seventeen year old when he was
thrown into the war with all his class
Just schoOlbOys. And him the only
one of them to come outl Think Of
that! All Of your young men over
here have the friends that they made
at the school or college, but my poor
lad has none. Many a ones ready
enough to make friends with him, but
it's not the same thing, and there are
few left on the other side TO push him
along. But he'll go back with his
head high. without their help-or
yours"
well" Robert Macbeth admitted.
"you make a pathetic case out for
your young rascal, but as far as
can see from here, he's nothing on
his mind but having a royal time,
learning a new dance"
AYE, that's all you see or any other
outsider 1t takes a woman to know
the worth of man."
Then maybe you'd better find a
woman and sing his praises to her."
With a quick look at his sister, and
the spirit of mischief cleaning in his
eyes-'Why not pick out Roberta?"
81 still have my Senses" his sister
told him Indignantly. Il don't want
my nose snapped off. And you may
as well know, Rob, that l don't think
Roberta's any thought of the young
men hereabOuts. The lads here are as
fine as any she'll see in a month of
Sundays but they're an old story to
your lady daughter. l can see her
taking far inferior goods-jist be-
cause they're new"
"Sne's too young TO judge for her.
self" began her father.
MY certies! Rob, try no to make
a sompIete fool Of yourself. Be sure
she knows what she's after. Every
lassie does, though she may not give
IL a name even TO herself But some
are lucky enough to take it when they
see it. I'm feared that Roberta's not
that sort. She's full of the kind of
youthful pride that will let a dish go
by, though her mouths watering for
it, fist to prove TO herself and others
that she's no caring-that she can
take it or leave It, it's all one"
1t was long speech for Aggy. She
drew breath and waited for her brother
TO show his understanding.
Robert spoke a little impatiently.
TN obliged TO you, Aggy, for your