Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-11-15
BY THEODORE ROSCOE

TORTY ONE years ago, America, entering
p the goth century moved at leisurely
pace To the clop-clop Of horses hoofs,
traffic wheeled uphurriedly under shade trees
1t was a day of picket fences, bicycles built
for two and iron deer on lawns.
Typical of this era of the waltz ana the
dance-card was the party given by Nell Crop
sey for her Cousin Carrie beautiful Northern
belle" visiting in Elizabeth City, n. G., on
the goth of November, 1901. 1t was the
event Of the season and the Cropsey mansion,
its wide verandahs overlooking the willow
fringed banks of the placid Pasquotank, pro-
vided gracious setting as Southern hospital
ity paid court to charm from New York.
Carrie Cropsey, the guest of honor was
radiant as handsome Jim Wilcox scion of
the Old South bowed to her hand Roy Craw-
ford young Will Cropsey other local SWANS
solicited the favor of her dance-card.
Small wonder there were envious glances
from Nell Cropsey WilcoXs betrothed, from
Nell's sister Olive, from other young ladies
whose cards were indifferently filled.
Carrie. unquestonably, was belle of the
ball.
That ugly mystery and tragedy might en-
ter this scene Of romance, gentle music and
light festivity seems impossible. Yet as the
last strains of After the Ball" died away.
and Carrie Cropsey, pleading headache, hur-
ried upstairs echo of subtle discord APP
pears to have fingered.
For there were those who felt that Jim
Wilcox had been over ardent in his attentions
to Nellie's cousin--that Nell noticeaby irrit-
able at sitting out the last waltz, might rea-
sonably be mffed at her fiance's cool neglect.
And curious conversation engaged the
lingering guests when the topic turned to sui
eide, Just who introduced the subject has
remained a mystery, but it was later re-
called that Roy Crawford had expressed a
preference to die by gas Nell Cropscy with
a swift look up the stairs, had mentioned
freezing.
"Or drowning" suggested Olive with
laugh. Then: My heavens. let's stop this
silly talk or wei all be having nightmares
But drowning" Nellie persisted How
could you say that Olive. It's cold and
clammy underwater! Ugh'
At which Jim Wilcox, standing hat in
hand observed: Here's where l skidoo I've
got law exam TO study for, and it's after
eleven" He hesitated on the threshold. then
turned to Nell "Oh Nell" his expression was
almost pleading, might l speak to you out
side for few minutes"
Here's where he catches It," someone
remarked as the door closed The way he's
carried on over Carrie ever since she arrived
from New York. If Nellie isn't jealous. she
must be blind"
Not that anyone present anticipated more
than picayune lovers quarrel Announce
nents were out; Jim had declared his inten-
ton TO marry Nell as soon as his law prac-
tise was established; Carrie would return to
her home in New York, and Nell would be
over her snit.
With small talk and banter the remaining
guests dispersed; the musicians departed; the
house settled into somnoent quiet Roy
Crawford paying suit 20 Olive was last TO
leave and at the door surprised 90 notice the
time advanced beyond midnight both re-
marked that Nell had not yet come in.