Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1938-12-10

the name, darling. Nothing incrim-
mating. just wondered"
Henry" she repeated, feeling
amused now, smiling little to her
self. Il wouldn't know"
And that was true, she thought, her
lips still whimsical. She wished his
full name would come out or hers
so that she would know. But know
what? These were only dreams
Hal said, 1T isn't the first time"
Afterward she got him to move into
the guest room. She slept better alone,
she told him. The truth was that there
was something about his presence be-
side her, so solid so at home, that
was irnbued with an unpleasant feel
ing, carried over from another of the
dreams-a dreadful sitting moment
when she had lain in a great bed be-
side gross old man. She had lain
there, laden with misery, knowing she
had to lie there, knowing that in a
moment she would have to force her
self to compliance with his tedious
eagerness.
It was absurd to connect Hal with
that old man but the disgust in the
girls heart was hard to Danish. Be-
side, when she was alone, the dreams
came oftener.
In the dreams she was growing
very beautiful A peddler came, when
her aunt was home, spreading his
wares about, and hung some brilliant
stuffs upon her. "a morsel fit for
king" he flattered. Her aunt had
looked sharply at her, her head cooked
on her ruff, and then she bought the
stuffs and set the tired women to max
ing her fine gowns. Later she had
scolded her for her ignorance and had
Jane whipped for not instructing her
in fine needlework as befitted her
quality.
They were taking her to London, to
show her to the court She was on
fire with excitement. Henry was at |
court now and she could see him
court ladies had great freedom, she /
had heard. In the next dream he was 1
In the coach, with her uncle and aunt, /
very proud of all the fine new clothes !
IN the boxes strapped on back, and I
then very sick with all the lurching /
and humping. She was too tired to no.
tice when they crossed London Bridge. I
In the next dream she was a child +
again, playing some silly game with /
Jane, and when she woke she burst /
into tears because she had gone no /
farther with the story.
Annoying, how Hal insisted on that
ball as If she needed diversionl She
Telt bored by the ridiculous details. Yet
The loved dancing and that night, the
music playing, the long drawing rooms
with dancers, she gave her
elf to the enchantment of the rhythm.
She went on and on with 1t, hardly
conscious Of changing partners.
1t was a great room, lighted by hun
ireds of candles in silver Sconces, a
ich room, with tapestry on the walls,
md cabinets Of gold and silverware.
'ootmen were standing by them with
BURNING torches to throw a frank in
rease Of lustre on the plate, thrush
ng their torches anxiously aloft when
he obvious dancers came too near.
She was in the thick Of the dancers,
'actng a stately measure to the music
( the harpS and lutte. She was the
oungest dancer there, but she was the
me they all were watching; we're
about-She was the new
'eauty, the one the king was eying.
n her scarlet gown she was a flame
hat paled all others. She felt fever
ihly gay and proud
Heat getting you? Want TO stop
moment?"
She must have stumbled, have failed
D answer something. She was afraid
er face had been blank as she lifted
!. With an effort she thrust back that
azing dream. 1T is hot. How's for
omething cool to drink?"
She must be careful, she thought,
fling the cold punch. She must be !
uick with her transitions when the !
ream came like this. Hal, appearing
asked oddly, you all right?"
why not?" she challenged gayly.
He said, you look like q ghost In
csrlet"
After that the dreams came at any ]
lme. She was looking In her long
lirror, eytng absently a new white
rock, and suddenly she was looking :
herself, q younger, childish self, in !
Re strangest gown Of cleaning white !
nd silver tissue.