CHAPTER XXIII.THE HOTEL DANCE.It was Gorham Page's habit to drop in at the Van Tassel house before making his nearly daily visit to the Fair.One morning, as he ascended the steps, his sister met him. "I hoped you would come," she said. "I want to be condoled with. Robert's foot has descended. We are going home.""Oh, I am sorry," replied Gorham, taking the chair she offered him; "but can't some arrangement be made?""No. Robert has said 'positively;' and when he says 'positively,' I never waste any more nervous force. Poor, dear boy, he wants to stay as badly as I do, but we have been here longer than we expected already, and after all I would rather go back than to give up the apartment and go to the poorhouse, which he says is the alternative.""I must go to Boston before long," said Page. "Wouldn't you like to stay and go back with me?""Let Robert go home alone?""Yes.""No, I thank you," with a firm shake of the head. "I shouldn't care for the Fair without Robert.""That is nice," remarked Gorham, regarding her attentively. "I think I should like my wife to feel like that."Hilda laughed. "Oh, that vague and shadowy wife of yours! Once I believed in her. Too bad that such a good-natured match-maker as I would have been should be burdened with such an impossible brother as you. I have lost all my interest in you, and have transferred it to Jack."Gorham smiled pensively, and struck the palm of one of his hands with the knuckles of the other. "You think yourself very clever about Jack, don't you?""It goes without saying that I am clever, of course, but this occasion does not demand much insight. If they were a trifle more secret in their chats in corners and their exchange of masonic signals, I should think, perhaps, I was a treacherous guest to mention them; but they enjoy their little comedy, and are perfectly willing others should. I think it is unkind in them not to come out openly and allow me to give them my blessing before I go.""I must say, Hilda, I don't enjoy hearing you use that tone about Mrs. Van Tassel.""What is the matter with my tone?" asked Hilda."It is light," answered Page, with grave simplicity.His sister stared a moment, then burst into laughter. "What crotchet have you taken now?" she asked. "Doesn't the match please you?""It is not a match. You are laboring under a false idea. If Mrs. Van Tassel should ever distinguish a man in the way you are speaking of, it will come to our knowledge in a different manner from the one you describe. We are talking in low tones in a corner now; but we are not sentimentally interested in one another.""An unanswerable argument," said Hilda good-naturedly. "You needn't take the matterau grand sérieux. I am profoundly grateful to Mrs. Van Tassel, and think her one of the most charming women I ever knew."Page's countenance, which had been grave to sternness, relaxed until, slowly smiling, he looked into his companion's eyes and beamed mutely upon her.Hilda noted the change with private astonishment, and determined to experiment."She is so refined," she added after a pause."The perfection of refinement," said Page."And very graceful."Gorham nodded. "It is a pleasure to see her move, is it not?""She has plenty of spirit too, and wit.""Yes, indeed. In whatever company she is, she makes her mark.""And it is never a black and blue one either," responded Hilda, passing her handkerchief over her lips as she returned the rapt gaze of the earnest face drinking in her words. "There is so much in that. Her wit could never hurt. Her uniform, considerate kindness is her most prominent trait.""Yes," responded Page, faithfully antiphonal. "Only a pure, true heart like hers could prompt such behavior.""There is a subtle charm and stimulus in her society.""And a restfulness, a satisfaction. It is hard to word it, but you have felt it; you recognize it. One can only say, it is good to be in her presence."Hilda pushed back her chair so suddenly that her companion started. "Gorham Page," she said, gazing at him with sparkling eyes, and rising, "don't you see what has happened?""No," he answered, removing his fixed gaze and pushing aside the vines, the better to peer about."Not out there!" exclaimed his sister."Oh," he answered mildly. "I thought perhaps Blitzen had killed Electra."Mrs. Page burst into laughter. Peal after peal broke from her, and she clasped her hand to her side.Robert appeared on the scene."It is time you arrived," said Gorham, vaguely smiling. "I haven't the least idea what ails Hilda."Mrs. Page dropped her head on her husband's shoulder."Gorham thought—thought that—that perhaps Blitzen—had killed Electra," she gasped."How intensely amusing," remarked Robert. "This girl is tired to death, Gorham," he went on, patting his wife's convulsed shoulder. "She thinks she doesn't want to go home, but I know it is time. Mrs. Van Tassel urges our remaining. What a spirit of sunshine she is! If ever there was an angel in a house, she is one."Hilda lifted her head, to look at Gorham's face. She found it beaming upon his brother with tender delight, and falling back she relapsed into another spasm of laughter."Stop this, stop this," said her husband, giving her a little shake."I am really afraid Hilda isn't well," said Gorham with concern. "I am sorry if she is too tired, for I wanted to see if you all wouldn't like to come over to the dance at the hotel to-night.""That is sensible, profoundly sensible," remarked his brother. "What could finish off a day at the Fair more appropriately than a dancing party!""You've got to go, Robert," said Hilda, wiping her eyes. "It will be lovely. We will smoke on the piazza, and watch the others through the windows.""Yes, I know how you enjoy looking on at a dancing party.""Yes, thank you, Gorham, we will come," continued Mrs. Page relentlessly. "I shall just go down to the Court of Honor for one last look," she added, sighing. "I will go up in that little balcony at the corner of the Electrical Building, and gaze once more down the stately, spacious square. I shall see the peacock-blue lake through the columns of the Peristyle, look up into the Italian sky roofing all, and say my prayers or sing the doxology; then I shall come home and pack. Oh, Robert, how can we leave it all!"That evening Jack entered the parlor and found Clover leaning back in an armchair. He dropped into a seat beside her."You look fitter to adorn some marble shrine in the White City than to decorate a humdrum, mortal home," he remarked, regarding her thin gown approvingly."I believe I never saw you before in a dress-suit," she answered lazily. "You look very neat, my dear. That is what mother used to say to us to suppress our vanity, when we were in festive array. It is rather amusing to see Fair pilgrims in evening dress, isn't it?""Where is Mildred?" asked Van Tassel, looking about."She will be here directly. If my sister were entirely costumed at any appointed time, I should be anxious about her.""I haven't had a chance to confess before," went on Jack, low and hastily. "I spoke to her too soon, after all. I need a keeper.""Oh, Jack! I'm sorry."Clover looked dismayed, and her tone was heart-felt."The milk is spilled, though; there is no going back. Didn't she tell you?""No, indeed. When did it happen?""The night we took the gondola ride.""Days since, then. You are a wonder, Jack. Are you going to stay here and live it down?""I am going to stay here if you will let me.""Let you? It is your home. Oh Jack, I am afraid of your tone. You haven't given up. I must tell you, though, that Mildred would be honest, uncompromisingly honest, in a serious matter like that. She is not a coquette.""I know it.""If she doesn't love you, you do not want her.""I don't know whether she loves me or not, and I don't believe she knows any better."As his handsome, frank eyes looked up at her, Clover's heart swelled with the approval and admiration she felt."We must relax to it," she said involuntarily."Or brace up to it," he replied, with his brilliant smile; "but it is too late now for the Petruchio act, Clover. I have literally and figuratively given myself away.""Yes," said the other simply; "what you have to do now is to leave her in freedom. The Lord loves you both alike. If He does not give you Mildred, it will be because that marriage would stand in the way of your real advancement.""Do you really believe that?" Van Tassel regarded her in curiosity and surprise."Why, Jack, think it out some time. How can it be any other way?" she answered, speaking hastily, for she heard a rustle on the stairs; and a moment after her voice ceased, Mildred came into the room.She was dressed in a pale violet gown, which revealed her superb neck, and she pulled long gloves up over her bare arms as she came.Jack sprang to his feet. How could she help liking the homage in his eyes?"I know I haven't kept you waiting," she said brightly, "for Mrs. Page's light is still burning, and of course it will take her some little time to wake up Mr. Page."Hilda's feet, in their little black satin slippers, came flying down the stairs as she spoke."Is Robert in a hammock?" she exclaimed apprehensively. "I meant to stick them both full of pins, but I haven't had time. That poor dear man has done a lot to-day, in spite of all my warnings. I expect he will sleep from here to Boston, when we get started. You two girls look perfectly lovely. I shall wake him up with that information."As they were all finally setting out, Gorham Page came up the walk."I thought I would wander down and make sure of you," he said to Clover, as he turned back beside her."You were sure of us," she returned. "I have not danced for five years. It seems to me I should never have thought of it again but for your invitation.""You do not care for the amusement, then?""Clover Bryant used to care greatly," she said, smiling; "but perhaps Mrs. Van Tassel has forgotten how to dance."They found the long, spacious piazza of the hotel gay with promenaders.Robert Page groaned. "How marvelous is the endurance of man and woman kind," he remarked. "How many of these people do you suppose have been doing the Fair to-day?""You mustn't talk about the Fair," returned his wife. "It is fortunate for you that the diversion came up, else I should have spent this evening weeping because I have said good-by.""Have you come over here with the notion that I am going to dance?" asked Page mildly."No, I haven't the least idea you will. I wouldn't ask it, since you were foolish enough to tramp miles to-day.""How could I help that, my dear, with the awful 'last chance' sensation hanging over me?"The orchestra in the hotel parlor began to play. Jack Van Tassel came up to where the husband and wife were sitting."Are you going to dance, Hilda?""Apparently not," she answered gayly."Give me this, won't you?""Oh, you don't need to. Why, where are Mildred and Clover?""They are sitting over yonder. They have many friends here. It seems to me this is rather a peculiar way for you to treat my invitation.""No, Jack," said Page, with a heart-rending sigh. "The old man will have to dance once. 'Let it be soon,' as the song says. Come, my love, weary and footsore, let us tread the dreamy maze together.""Robert really wants to dance," said Hilda to Van Tassel confidentially. "The music inspires him. I haven't the heart to refuse. Thank you. Perhaps later we can have a turn.""Now, wasn't that sweet of Jack and exactly like him?" asked Hilda, when they had drifted in among the floating couples. "He was afraid you were going to be immovable; and the very first dance, when of course you would suppose he would ask Mildred"—"Or Mrs. Van Tassel, according to your theories.""My dear, I am shaken on my theories. I may have been wrong. I hope I have been. What do you think, Robert?""I can't tell any of my thoughts while I am dancing, Hilda. Don't ask it. If you do, I shall probably step on your foot. I have the greatest sympathy with the man who, when his partner insisted on talking to him in a round dance, replied as follows: Yes, two, three; one, no, three; one, two, yes; and so forth.""What a goose you are, dear; but you dance as well as you ever did, if you have forgotten how to say sweet nothings during a waltz.""Pray remember how much more breath I used to have. The spirit is willing still, but the flesh is too many for me.""There go Gorham and Clover," said Mrs. Page with some excitement, pausing in the dance, and taking her husband's willing arm. "Robert, I want you to watch Gorham to-night," she added impressively."More mysteries?" returned Page plaintively. "I don't see anything out of the way about him. He is rather stunning in a dress-suit.""I wonder if Clover thinks so," responded Hilda significantly."Oh, you are only marrying him again," remarked her husband, with an air of enlightenment. "If all your plans succeeded, I don't know what would become of Gorham. He couldn't even take refuge in Utah, for I understand the Mormons are discouraging plural marriages.""You can chaff, Robert; but mark my words, some day you will look back to this evening and exclaim over my cleverness. I haven't told you all I know. I have proofs, if I chose to"—"Yes, my dear, your fate is the common one of those who cry 'Wolf' too often. I've heard your proofs before." Then squeezing his wife's hand against his side, he added, "There isn't another Hilda for poor Gorham, so how can I take a breathless interest in his prospects?"Mrs. Page was mollified, of course; but she shrugged her shoulder. "I don't understand how you can see those four people together and not weave romances. Now, for instance, I am burning to know why Mildred and Jack are not dancing this first dance together, instead of with Lieutenant Eames and his cousin. I dare say poor Jack lost his chance by coming to take care of me."But Hilda was wrong. A little circle of friends had gathered about Clover and Mildred as soon as they appeared on the hotel piazza, and Mildred saw at once in Jack's quiet withdrawal that he did not intend to ask any favor for himself. She liked this in theory, but it half-vexed her to find herself alertly cognizant of his every movement even while she chatted and laughed with her other friends. She saw him approach Hilda, and wondered if he were asking her to dance; then, when the latter moved away into the hotel with her husband, Mildred talked volubly to Eames in order to prevent his having an opportunity to offer himself for her partner. These dances were informal. There were no printed programmes. She wished to give Jack time to return to their group and claim her before the lieutenant should.How exasperatingly deliberate his motions seemed to her, as he sauntered along!"I can easily believe what you say, Mr. Eames," she said glibly. "The papers print a great many of the amusing blunders that are made, and I am sure they are not exaggerated, by my own experience. There were two women standing near me in front of the Manufactures Building the other day, and one said to the other: 'Oh, look at that big statute of Liberty; do you suppose it's solid gold?' 'No!' replied the other scornfully, 'it's holler. If that was solid gold it would be worth ten thousand dollars.' Then this sophisticated one turned to me. 'Can you tell me where the Court of Honor is? Is it in the Administration Building?' I answered that this was the Court of Honor, and I suppose I gestured generally, for she looked down at the Basin and then at me with a pitying smile. 'Oh no,' she said, 'that is the lagoon.'"WhywouldJack stop to look in at the window? How slow he was! "Oh yes, and, Mr. Eames, was there any truth in that story I read about the battle-ship? Somebody says, you know, that although it looks so solid and impressive, an angry man could do it considerable damage with a crowbar, and I read lately about some country people who were visiting it. While they were exploring, the ship's bells rang, and coincidently the whistle of a neighboring tug began to blow. The story said those poor people thought the boat was going to start and rushed for the gang-plank, panic-stricken. One man fell into the water, and a woman broke her ankle. It ought not to be amusing, but it is.""Ha, ha," responded Eames, "there is a grain of truth in it;" (Jack was drawing near) "the rest is the reporter's imagination. I can tell you what was the foundation of that yarn." (Jack approached and stood near the speaker.) "Won't you dance this with me, Miss Bryant, and I will initiate you into some of the methods of newspaper men as discovered by the officer-of-the-day at Jackson Park."They moved away, and Helen Eames, who had audaciously escaped a would-be partner in the hope of this very event, fell to Jack's lot.She was a vivacious, jolly girl, and a man was not obliged to talk much while with her, so Van Tassel yielded to her determination to detain him at her side as long as was feasible.Mildred, promenading with her partner on the piazza after the dance, passed them sitting near the water where one could see, down the curve of the lake, the fireworks of the White City bursting in starry brilliance. Far out upon Michigan's breast shone a row of steady lights, beside which, as on a liquid boulevard, the illuminated passenger-boats plied up and down.Van Tassel was playing with his companion's fan, and laughing as though he were well entertained, at the moment Mildred passed by.The sight did not please her."It is all my monumental vanity," she thought. "I am glad Jack isn't one of the sort of men who stand around in corners and watch one tragically."She had danced several times when Clover, left near her by Gorham Page while he went to bring her a glass of water, addressed her."You haven't danced with Jack once," she said, with hasty reproach."Haven't I?" Mildred raised her eyebrows."But aren't you going to, dear?""Not unless he asks me, darling."Clover stared, then turned away to smile. She had not often seen Mildred in such an ill-humor."Poor, dear, unconscious Petruchio," she reflected. "I wonder if he is building better than he knows."Here Page returned with the water, and she could say no more, even if she wished. Moreover, Gorham now addressed Mildred, to claim the dance for which the strains of the Washington Post March were already sounding assertively.Jack had this two-step with Hilda, and when it was over he brought her to a seat near those which Mildred and Gorham had taken on the piazza."Mildred," remarked Hilda, "this young man does know how to dance."Van Tassel bowed until the parting in his hair was visible."That is nice," returned Miss Bryant languidly."The fireworks are over," continued Hilda. "That awful word 'nevermore' is hanging over everything for me to-night. I meant to be out here to see the last piece, but I wasn't,—that superb volcano, or mine, or whatever name they try to describe it by. I want you all to think of me with compassion every time you see it hereafter. Where do you suppose Robert is?""Perhaps I ought to know," suggested Gorham. "I will hunt him up if you will allow me, Miss Mildred.""I'll go with you," said Mrs. Page. "It is rather cool here to sit still after dancing. You will excuse me, Jack? I think I ought to let poor Robert off now, and take him home."It was the first time Mildred and Jack had been alone together since the memorable evening."May I have the next dance?" asked Van Tassel abruptly."If you like," answered the girl carelessly. "Haven't you had enough dancing?""I haven't had any," he answered briefly; and Mildred told herself that the demon of her vanity had received what it craved, so warm a sensation of satisfaction stole around her heart."I thought I would make myself safe before one of your other friends espied you here; but if you are tired"—"I am never tired—physically," said the girl, with a slow smile."I was only going to say that I would be content to sit out the next with you; although we have not danced together since that night in the boathouse." Jack smiled. "Do you remember what you told me?""Oh yes. You made that child very happy. She owes you a dance.""These surroundings are strange. Have you been thinking of it?""Yes. Only last year this ground was a tangle of goldenrod and willow-trees. How many times we have gone bathing on that beach! It was as good a playground for jolly youngsters as could be imagined; and now"—She paused."Now, the music has commenced," suggested Jack, rising. "In consideration of the manner in which I have effaced myself so far, you should allow our dance to begin promptly."They entered the parlor by the door which leads from the east piazza. She put her hand in his, and they glided away over the polished floor among the pillars with their vine-like wreaths of electric lights.Amid the scattering groups which, outside, watched the dancers through the windows, was one spectator who was seeing a conventional dancing party for the first time in her life. It had suddenly occurred to Robert Page that it would be worth the exertion of going after Aunt Love to see her view this pretty scene; and when Hilda and Gorham reached the front entrance of the hotel in their search for Robert, they found him ascending the steps with Miss Berry."The young ladies did ask me if I didn't want to come over, and I thought I should feel out o' place," she said; "but Mr. Page, he just made me, so here I am.""Now, come to this window," said Robert, "and tell me what you think of that."The others clustered around Miss Lovina, as she murmured and exclaimed in her surprise."I never approved o' dancin'," she said. "I never saw any before. Mr. Gorham, do you remember that hall in the New York Buildin'? That must be temptin' to young critters when it's lighted up, and the music's a-playin'. Why," eagerly, "see Miss Mildred and Mr. Jack. My, don't they go pretty! And there's Mrs. Van Tassel herself and some feller. Why," turning suddenly upon Gorham, "why ain't you in there dancin' with her?""I have danced with her twice," he answered. "I mustn't be a monopolist, although it is a temptation. She is by far the best dancer here."Upon this Hilda pressed her small satin shoe against her husband's foot, and he obtusely moved it out of her way."Well, I declare," exclaimed Miss Berry, gazing in ever-warming admiration, "if it ain't enough to make a body want to be young and pretty. To think this is the real, wicked thing itself, and I ain't shocked. What's the matter with me, Mr. Gorham?""Considering your prejudices and traditions, it is a little odd. Perhaps it is because you cannot associate an idea of evil with anything you see Mrs. Van Tassel engaging in."Here Mrs. Page again endeavored to gain her lord's sympathy, with the result that he ejaculated: "Where would you like to have me put my feet, Hilda?""Why don't you go in there and dance, Mr. Gorham?" pursued Miss Berry."Am I so young and pretty that you want to see me? Well, if Hilda is willing to favor me.""Oh certainly, so long as Robert doesn't care to go home.Au revoir, dears.""Now, then," Aunt Love turned upon her companion argumentatively, "are you perfectly willin' a man should put his arm around your wife's waist?""On the contrary, I should object seriously.""How about that, then?" Miss Berry gestured toward the hall."For a man to place his hand on a woman's waist to steady and support her is not to put his arm around her. There are too many other things for a couple to think of in guiding themselves successfully through a crowd of dancers to allow of their usually being conscious of the intimacy of their position. Don't be afraid to admire the dancing, Aunt Love. It can be abused, like everything else; but it is an excellent exercise, inculcating grace, strength, and good manners.""Well, now, I'm goin' to tell some folks I know what you say. Ain't your wife just as light as a fairy, and don't your brother look handsome to-night? No, sir, there ain't any folks here as good-lookin' as ours."When the waltz was finished, Gorham Page and Hilda approached Clover and told her that Aunt Love was without. She excused herself from her partner to go with them, and soon afterward Gorham walked home with her."Thank you so much for coming," he said, when he was bidding her good-night."I am sure we have all to thank you," she answered. "Isn't it hard to be reconciled to letting your brother and Hilda go? We have been such a pleasant party.""Yes," returned Page, looking down at her as she stood in her white wrap, an unconsciously adoring expression in his eyes; "this summer is an experience that one could wish would never end. Going away," he smiled vaguely, "leaving you, having these weeks come to an end, is almost as difficult to grasp in prospect as the thought of death."Clover laughed softly. "We won't borrow trouble," she said. "Good-night."CHAPTER XXIV.DRESS PARADE."Do you think Jack enjoyed himself?" asked Clover, when her sister crossed the hall to her room that night for the usual last word before retiring."I suppose he did. How anxious you are about Jack all the time! You make an absolute fetish of him. It used to mislead me.""Did it?" Clover smiled, and turned back to her dressing-table."Yes, indeed, and no wonder. It is a good thing, however, that I was mistaken, else I'm sure there would have been coffee and pistols ordered for two. I want your opinion, Clover, on a delicate question. Supposing a man of some strength of character spends a whole evening at a dance following about after a woman, smiling pensively at her face, or the back of her head, or her shoulder, or whatever of her he can get to smile at, and finding spots of vantage from which he can behold her dance when he is not dancing with her himself. Supposing he flies about to bring her glasses of water, and wraps, and fans, and performs all the other offices which are usually the privilege of her partners, driving said partners to the last pitch of exasperation. What, I ask you, is the matter with that man?"Clover turned her tender glance upon her sister, marveling that the spirit of mischief could be so rampant in her eyes."Dear," she said reproachfully, "that man is very deeply in love.""That is what I supposed myself," replied Mildred demurely; "but I wanted to be sure I didn't exaggerate.""Too seriously so for you to make merry over it," continued Clover, shaking her head."Well, if you aren't a pair of you!" exclaimed Mildred, bursting into laughter, which she endeavored to repress out of consideration of the lateness of the hour. Then she seized her sister's astonished face between her hands and kissed her repeatedly. "I suppose there isn't another man in the world beside Jack Van Tassel, is there? How glad I am, I am not attached to him; I should be wildly jealous.""Oh—let me go, Mildred. I didn't know you meant—I didn't know that any one noticed"— Clover was as red as her namesake, and looking everywhere except at her sister."Noticed! Why, my dear, he was a perfect spectacle. I fancy everybody in the room noticed except himself. He doesn't know what is the matter with him, either. He asked me once, when we were out on the piazza, if there wasn't some malaria here. He isn't able to sleep of late, and his appetite isn't right." Mildred went off into a peal of laughter."Hush. Do please hush, Milly," implored poor crimson Clover in an agony. "Supposing Hilda should hear you and come in. She will. Oh,please.""He said he thought he should take—oh dear, I'm hurting myself—he thought he should take quinine!" Mildred wiped her eyes; "and I said—I was of the opinion—oh my! that something sweet would help him more; extract of Clover, perhaps.""Mildred, tell me instantly you didn't say that!""Well, not quite so much as that; but he tempted me dreadfully.""Go to bed, Milly. Go to bed straight off. It is late.""All right; but isn't it funny?" pleadingly."No. I do not think it funny at all.""Oh, you must; that big, absent man, vainly mooning around among his data"—"Well, if you will only go away; perhaps—it's a little— There, I have turned the gas out. You will have to go.""I am about to set up a Gorham to match your Jack," said Mildred irrepressibly. "I am going to see that you treat the poor man right, and help him diagnose his symptoms. I am going to give you reproachful glances and him tender ones. I shall have to tell him they're tender, though"— But here Clover succeeded in pushing her over the threshold and closing the door upon her.The following day Mr. and Mrs. Page took their departure, the latter more reluctant than ever to leave so many objects of interest."Ain't it lonely without 'em?" said Aunt Love that night to Clover, after dinner. "I don't know but you'll want to ask Mr. Gorham over here to help fill up the gap," she suggested rather timidly."No, I think we won't disturb his arrangements," replied Clover quietly. "I suppose he can't stay here very much longer any way."Miss Berry went to the back door to give Blitzen and Electra their supper, and arbitrate between them while they ate it."She won't ask him over. H'm!" she soliloquized, arranging two dishes of scraps, while the two pets barked and chirped expectantly. Then she seated herself on a step to watch their proceedings."That looks like it," she continued in her own thoughts. "Well, if this is what he's been waitin' for, thirty odd years, I don't feel to blame him. Now you get back, Electry. Blitzen ain't a-goin' to stand everything. Sometimes it does seem's if you had the most cheek of any critter in feathers. Well, look at that now!" for Blitzen, exasperated at a raid upon his plate, jumped at the chicken, who quick as thought hopped on his back, and clung to her perch by means of claw and wing while the terrier raced in a mad circle.Aunt Love's hearty laugh rang out as she watched Blitzen's fruitless efforts to disembarrass himself. At last he lay down and rolled over, and Electra, squawking excitedly, ran back to her plate.She was not pursued. The terrier ever afterward regarded her as something uncanny, and so far as possible refrained from acknowledging her existence.An event of general interest during the Fair summer was the visit to the Exposition of the West Point cadets. Cro' Nest itself is scarcely more immovable from its position among the Highlands of the Hudson than these pets of Uncle Sam; but it is a matter of history that they and their paraphernalia were transferred to the Philadelphia Centennial, and now again with much form and ceremony their camp was set up in the green plain adjoining the Government Building on the shore of Lake Michigan. They arrived one dazzling afternoon, which began serenely calm, but toward evening gave the guests a northeast wind which sent white-capped waves rushing landward, and shook the tents in the new company-streets.Starting from the Terminal Station, the young soldiers marched through the streets of the White City, preceded by their famous band, and as they proceeded looked neither to the right nor the left at the widely noised marvels surrounding them, but kept eyes front as though still treading their own quiet, elm-lined avenues, while the waiting crowds cheered and cheered again the elegant precision of their movements.In an hour, gray-coated sentinels were again walking post in this new Camp Sheridan, alertly conscious of their routine business, and apparently without a thought of the surroundings beyond the camp.Mildred Bryant felt considerable interest in the cadets, and assumed much more. "Helen Eames says that no matter how good a time a girl may have, she can never have as good a one as if she had spent a summer at West Point," she announced to Van Tassel one day, on the occasion of their being together. She felt that he made these occasions rare, and at times the fact touched her. At others she said to herself, "He is getting over it.""Then why don't you go there?" asked Jack. "I don't know who has a better right to the flowers of life.""I did think of getting Clover to take me next summer, but now, wonder of wonders, the mountain has come to Mahomet. Don't you want to go down to parade to-night?""Yes; I don't know just how to make you comfortable, though. The mob is something marvelous. I looked over their heads a minute last night, but being in the sixth or seventh row, concluded the game wasn't worth the candle.""Ah, that is where the convenience comes in of having a military friend," returned Mildred gayly. "We shall not need to mingle with thehoi polloi. Won't you come too, Clover?" as her sister entered the room."Where?""To see dress parade this evening.""Yes, I am going. Mr. Page has already asked me.""I don't believe you had better try to get along without me. Jack and I are going to meet Mr. Eames on the steps of the Army Hospital at a quarter before six. There is a great crowd.""Thank you. Perhaps we will be there. Did you hear Aunt Love's comment last night? She said that in the afternoon she ran into an impassable throng near the Administration Plaza, and after vainly trying a long time to get through, she finally found the attraction was only a lot of schoolboys drilling. If those important young heroes could have heard her scornful tone!"When Clover had left the room, Jack spoke again. "Since you have an appointment with Eames, I withdraw, Mildred. I don't see why you asked me.""He said I might bring my friends," she replied. "Do come, Jack."Van Tassel looked straight into her eyes, and smiled with an expression which seemed to the girl both brave and hopeless."Won't you?" she persisted."Of course," he answered.In the afternoon, Clover walked to the Park, and entering back of Texas walked down the northern avenue of State buildings. The usual crowd was flocking in and out of Mount Vernon, but she crossed the street to New Jersey's charming home, and entered. It was entertaining a large number of sightseers, note-book in hand, who jotted down their inventories. Clover wished she might look over the shoulder of one woman, with a harassed but determined countenance, whom she met in the cosy west room downstairs. She wondered how this anxious one would be able to transfer to paper the charm of its quiet comfort, with the breezy foliage waving near its half-closed green blinds and casting shadows on the dainty white curtains.It was all familiar ground to Clover, so she went upstairs and seated herself in a corner of the deep, luxurious sofa which commanded a view, down through the open gallery, of the front door.People came, looked, commented, passed into the dainty blue chintz bedroom, emerged smiling, and went away.Many had appeared, climbing the stairway with various degrees of toil, before the figure she awaited came into view. This one sprang up the steps alertly, with a serious expression, which brightened to pleasure at sight of her."Have I kept you waiting?" he asked eagerly. "I came around from the Cliff Dwellers by the Intramural road, and we had a stoppage of several minutes. I have been very anxious.""I am sorry for that," answered Clover, as Page seated himself beside her. "I thought you knew that I am always content in this house. I should move down here and live, if they would let me. I have been fancying that I was holding a reception as the visitors came and went. I wonder if any pilgrim to the Fair has a soul so dead as not to covet this house.""I didn't know you liked it so much," said Gorham, as though the fact were of serious importance. "Perhaps you would enjoy having tea here.""Tea in the New Jersey Building? What a pleasure! But why do you tantalize me?""I think we can. The lady manager from New Jersey is a near relative of mine. Excuse me a minute and I will try the magic of her name."Page went downstairs, and in five minutes returned."The house is mine, practically," he declared, smiling. "I herewith present it to you.""How delightful! And the tea?""Is near by." Gorham went to one of the locked doors on the east side of the hall and knocked. Presently he ushered Clover into this exclusive nook, and the door closed behind them.It was an appetizing little supper that was shortly set before them on the daintily clothed round table."You have gratified one of my pet ambitions," said Clover. "Now I shall always feel a small proprietorship as well as a great affection for this house. I am really breaking bread at its board.""You spoil your friends by the pleasure you make it to contribute a little to your happiness," returned Gorham, his eyes resting upon her with the utmost satisfaction."This room is as charming as the rest," remarked Clover, looking about at its ruddy decorations; "and the remoteness one feels from everything confusing, or noisy, or soiling, can only be appreciated by those who do not live in the midst of a large, well-kept park. I amused myself while waiting for you by searching for the fewest words that will describe the faces of Fair visitors. I decided upon 'tired' and 'pleased.' Not 'delighted;' they are too weary for that,—but just 'pleased.'"Page looked away and considered the idea, as Clover had intended he should."Do you know Mildred gives us the opportunity to find good places at parade under Mr. Eames' wing?" she suggested after a minute."Oh, I am glad to hear that. I don't quite understand what makes the cadets such a fad. No; one can't call it a fad either, for there is no sudden interest in them, they are always lionized. Since they have been here, I notice that people go hours before the time for parade for the sake of securing good places, and then wait patiently; so I have been wondering this afternoon how I could fix it for you to get a view of the ceremonies. It will be very pleasant to have Mr. Eames' assistance.""Then comes in that awful word again," laughed Clover. "We shall have to hurry a little."Page sighed unconsciously. "Is this very good tea?" he asked, as they finally rose from the table. "I am not a connoisseur.""Very nice indeed.""I thought it must be. I never enjoyed any tea so much in my life.""Then we are very much obliged to each other, aren't we?" said Clover gayly, and consuming her watch, she reminded her companion again of the hour of the appointment, and they hastened away.They arrived at the hospital steps just as the others were leaving."Oh, you loiterers," was Mildred's greeting."Don't you see our breathless condition?" returned Clover. "How can you have the heart to reproach us? How do you do, Mr. Eames? We are very grateful to you. What a hopeless throng that looks like!""Let me take some of those camp chairs," said Gorham, suiting the action to the word.Mr. Eames led his party towards the officers' tents. They had to force their way through serried ranks of gazers, who were held back with difficulty by the blue-coated sentinels from the camp of "regulars" near by. The sentinel saluted Eames as he passed, and the lieutenant stood still and allowed his friends to file before him to the reserved places before the officers' tents. There they found Helen Eames, who welcomed them radiantly, fixing cordial eyes on Jack in a manner not lost upon Mildred. The latter did not enjoy this effusiveness. She did not wish to marry anybody, but at the same time she did not like to have any other girl try to appropriate her especial friends.However, her attention was soon momentarily distracted by the novel sights before her, and the usual questions began to flow.Eames was most willing to answer them. Before long the band marched out upon the plain, and the evening's ceremonies had begun. The cadets, a shining assembly, marched forth from the company-streets and fell into line.The band, playing The Thunderer, marched up and down the plain before the motionless ranks, and one to whom the West Point forms were familiar asked himself if it must not all be a dream. Here were the same camp, the same cadets, the same band; but where were the mountains, the huge old elms, the river?—instead, the Government Building, the Fisheries, the Battle-Ship, and Lake Michigan.To Mildred the very sight of the band was not thrilling from all it implied, but she soon found herself absorbed in interest and admiration.Once she turned around to Jack, who stood behind her."I think I must go to West Point, after all.""Indeed, you must. It is perfectly lovely," exclaimed Miss Eames. "There, you see, that is the adjutant now, advancing to the officer-in-charge;" and she proceeded volubly to explain the tactics which followed."I think I shall have to know some cadets," remarked Mildred, turning to Eames."That will be very easy; and when you know one, you will know all. They can talk only on one subject," was the rather stiff reply.Mildred was perfectly aware that the young lieutenant admired her. She saw that her proposition was displeasing to him; but what she did not know was that he had not yet recovered from that profound fall which results from exchanging the chevrons of a first-class man for the shoulder-straps of a second lieutenant. That young officer must indeed have a seared conscience who can lay his hand on his heart and declare that he entertains only cordial sentiments for a cadet of the first class when their ways chance to cross."You refused to attend the cadet ball with me at the New York Building to-night," added Eames reproachfully."Why, of course; in my ignorance. Wasn't it stupid of me? Oh, what are they running for? Isn't that pretty? Wouldn't you like to be a cadet again, Mr. Eames?""Heaven forbid!" ejaculated that officer devoutly. "I am waked up by reveille yet. Hope I shall get over it some time.""Mildred is contracting cadet fever, Mr. Van Tassel," declared Helen, looking up at Jack in a way which Miss Bryant noted resentfully, in spite of her preoccupation."I never before noticed how objectionable Helen's ways with men are," she thought. "I know Jack wishes she wouldn't look at him like that.""I suppose so, Miss Eames," replied Van Tassel. "I am trying to find out what it is that is so fetching about those all-conquering youngsters."But Jack need not have tried. No male civilian under forty was ever known to discover."What is cadet fever?" asked Mildred, "and what is the microbe; a bell-button? I haven't one yet."The "double-timing" companies had retreated down the streets of camp, and the cheering crowds of spectators quieted. Many of them moved toward the lake shore; for in a short time it had been learned that the cadets would next march to supper preceded by the drum corps; and any ceremony which they performed, no matter how simple, drew a curious throng."What is the matter? What are they going to do now?" asked Mildred."Going to the Clambake to supper," replied Eames."Then I am going to the Clambake to supper," announced Miss Bryant."I think you would not enjoy it," said Eames shortly."I know I shall," responded Mildred, with her glorious smile."I am so sorry I shall have to leave you," remarked Helen. "I have a number of friends among the first class. They were yearlings when I was at the post. I have promised to attend the festivities with one of them to-night. Do come and see me, Mr. Van Tassel," holding out her hand. "Remember you owe me a game of tennis. I assure you, you would not beat all the time. Are you coming with me, Fred?""I believe not, unless you want me. If these people are determined to go to the Clambake, I think I shall have to go too; but remember, you are to save a two-step for me to-night.""Au revoir, then;" and Miss Eames, her last glance for Jack, moved away."We won't go with Mildred," said Clover, "for we have had tea recently, and aren't hungry yet. You would never guess where, either. Good-by, Mr. Eames. We are all greatly indebted to you.""Indeed we are," said Gorham, shaking hands cordially with the lieutenant. "That was a most interesting sight. I congratulate you on being one fit to survive that tremendous training. This is the show side, but I know something of the other.""Where did you have tea; where?" demanded Mildred, smiling into Gorham's serious face. He instantly smiled back. Those cold, abstracted eyes of Page's had learned a new look recently, as though so much sunshine had warmed his heart that there was an overflow."It would make you so discontented with the Clambake, dear," suggested Clover with mischievous deprecation."Why, Iwillknow.""The New Jersey house.""You selfish creatures! Aren't they?" exclaimed Mildred, calling upon Eames and Van Tassel to witness."Yes, we are," laughed Gorham, as he and Clover turned away. "We know it."Mildred, her companions on either side of her, began her walk northward. Eames wished cordially that Jack would remember an engagement. Jack wished sincerely that he knew what Mildred wanted him to do. Unconsciously fulfilling the lieutenant's desire, he spoke:—"I suppose I really ought to be at home attending to some correspondence I have been putting off, instead of loitering at the Clambake."Eames answered without giving Mildred time to speak. "I shall be most happy to take Miss Bryant home after her curiosity is satisfied." Van Tassel's jealous ears detected the eagerness in his polite tone."But supposing my curiosity is not gratified by the time you are obliged to go and array yourself gorgeously for the evening? No, Jack, I am sorry for you, but Mr. Eames is engaged elsewhere.""It need not be for some hours yet," protested the lieutenant.Mildred shook her head firmly. "I couldn't think of allowing you to assume the care of me in addition to all your other responsibilities this evening.""Very well," said Jack. "When it comes to a matter of letter-writing, my conscience never requires very much soothing."When they reached the Clambake, two cadets were just issuing therefrom. Their hands went up in an instant salute to Eames, who had for the moment preceded his friends."I suppose there is a great deal of eating and running being done to-night," remarked Jack."But where are they?" asked Mildred aggrievedly, as they entered the busy, noisy eating-room."The cadets mess upstairs," returned Eames, with latent satisfaction. "Did you suppose they fell in here with the general company? You don't know much of military discipline, Miss Bryant.""Never mind; if they are going to run up and down that staircase all the time, as they are doing now, I shall see a great deal of them.""There isn't much order to-night," remarked the lieutenant. "The cadets own the Fair for the moment, and permits have been issuedad libitum."But supper had scarcely been brought to the three friends when, with a grand clatter on the bare staircase, the remainder of the corps came hurrying down, walked out the door, and quickly forming in ranks marched back to camp."Now, does that pay for mingling in this drove of people and getting half-served?" asked Jack, with disdain."Fully," exclaimed Miss Bryant, with enthusiasm. "Without those absurd straps around their faces, one can see what beautiful creatures they are.""Well, I'm glad," returned Van Tassel shortly."I am resigned to your interest in the cadets," said Eames, "if it brings you to West Point, for I am likely to get a detail there next year."Jack took no part in the animated discussion that followed."Don't look bored, Jack," said Mildred at last. "Ask Mr. Eames questions, as I do.""There isn't any need. You have covered the ground. You are mistaken about my being bored. This is my expression when I am absorbing stimulating information.""Then he should abstain from stimulants. Don't you think so, Mr. Eames?"They arose from the table, and going out into the arc-lighted street, walked slowly west.When they reached Brazil, Mildred declared her desire to go into the building."I suppose I ought to leave you," said Eames reluctantly, "but perhaps if you remain in the grounds I may meet you again.""What is going on?" asked Van Tassel."Several things. A procession of illuminated boats in honor of the cadets, a concert by the West Point band outside the Michigan house, illumination of all the State buildings and dancing in many of them, but notably New York, all for the cadets. You will be likely to hear enough of those young men and see enough of them if you remain, Van Tassel.""Oh, we can't," smiled Mildred demurely, as she gave her hand to the lieutenant. "We have important letters to write."The "we," even in jest, was music to Jack. He turned to her as they ascended Brazil's steps. "Well, are you ready to come back to civil life?""Haven't I been civil all the time? And you," reproachfully, "were going to leave me.""Only out of regard to Eames.""I think you might have more regard for me than for him.""I have. I thought you knew it."Mildred did not answer. They had reached the large salon which was the second floor of Brazil's home, and from thence ascended the spiral iron staircase leading to the roof. Mounting another short flight of steps, they entered one of the four towers, and standing between its white pillars looked down on the enchanting vision of early evening in the White City,—the sum of imaginable loveliness.The imposing façades of its palaces were now pure but not dazzling; the green trees and flowering shrubs of Wooded Island were hung with thousands of fairy lights; the long, bridge-spanned canals wound away into distant mysterious vistas, where tower on tower still rose far as the eye could discern; and, queen above all, stood the flamy curves of the coronet of Administration.The columns of the Art Palace were mirrored in the lagoon, and near and far upon the water's breast lay little boats, gay with lights, in readiness for the procession soon to take place; their chains of colored globes faithfully reflected in the depths below.Distant bells were chiming; from one of the boats the tinkling melody of a mandolin floated up to the watchers in the lofty tower; all else was still, as though the peerless scene were indeed something supernatural, evoked for a moment's breathless rapture, and fated to disappear forever.Neither Mildred nor her companion spoke for a time."Once you gave me your hand when we lived such an experience as this together," said Jack at last, withdrawing his gaze and looking at Mildred in the twilight.She hesitated, then extended her hand frankly. "So I will again," she answered, with an effort at her old air of good-comradeship. "I am a great believer in handshaking."Van Tassel only looked at her without accepting the favor, and shook his head slowly. "No," he said, as though to himself, "I cannot be satisfied with it."Mildred blushed as her hand dropped. "You said," she returned low and swiftly, "that everything should be as it was before.""Yes, I did, because I was inexperienced. I have never been in love with any one else, and I didn't know how it was going to be. I have become better acquainted with myself since that night and can speak with more intelligence. I find myself hoping, even though I say over every day that there cannot be the slightest hope for me, because you know me well, and by this time the truth would be evident to you. If it were in my favor you would tell me, wouldn't you?"The girl gave him one fearful glance, and looked away."You would, of course?" he said, with sudden excitement, seizing the hand he had refused. "Mildred, I love you! I love you! I do not say it to you every hour, but I think it with every breath. You would not make me wait one moment if"—"Oh, how can you, Jack? Why must you love a girl so unworthy?" She shrank closer to the railing. "I told you,—I tried to warn you,—I told you that I do not love anybody but Mildred Bryant."Before she ceased speaking, Van Tassel had released her and recovered himself."And the Peristyle," he added steadily, "you are forgetting that."She did not smile, and her lips quivered."So long as my only rivals are your sweet self and the Indians, Helmsmen,et. al., who view the country from the top of the Peristyle, I cannot despair. Perhaps I ought to, dear, but I can't."Mildred wondered if her companion were really so pale as the shadows made him appear."Hope springs eternal in the human breast, and I am going to hope until you announce your engagement to me. Then, until I receive your wedding cards, I shall look to see you find that engagement a mistake. And if you are married," Jack paused; "I don't know. My mind turns blank when it occurs to me that you might marry another man.""I am not worth it. I am not worth it," repeated the girl."Have I made you unhappy? Shall I go away? Will my presence be a burden to you now?""No." Mildred looked at him piteously. "I think I have a stone in here instead of a heart," she said, pressing her side, "but stay with me and—and keep the others away. I don't need to tell you how much I like you, Jack. If only it were safe to say what you want me to when I only like you, and value you, and respect you more than any other man"— She paused, unable to proceed.He turned to her, tender consideration in his tone."That is a great deal, Mildred. I must try not to forfeit it."
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE HOTEL DANCE.
It was Gorham Page's habit to drop in at the Van Tassel house before making his nearly daily visit to the Fair.
One morning, as he ascended the steps, his sister met him. "I hoped you would come," she said. "I want to be condoled with. Robert's foot has descended. We are going home."
"Oh, I am sorry," replied Gorham, taking the chair she offered him; "but can't some arrangement be made?"
"No. Robert has said 'positively;' and when he says 'positively,' I never waste any more nervous force. Poor, dear boy, he wants to stay as badly as I do, but we have been here longer than we expected already, and after all I would rather go back than to give up the apartment and go to the poorhouse, which he says is the alternative."
"I must go to Boston before long," said Page. "Wouldn't you like to stay and go back with me?"
"Let Robert go home alone?"
"Yes."
"No, I thank you," with a firm shake of the head. "I shouldn't care for the Fair without Robert."
"That is nice," remarked Gorham, regarding her attentively. "I think I should like my wife to feel like that."
Hilda laughed. "Oh, that vague and shadowy wife of yours! Once I believed in her. Too bad that such a good-natured match-maker as I would have been should be burdened with such an impossible brother as you. I have lost all my interest in you, and have transferred it to Jack."
Gorham smiled pensively, and struck the palm of one of his hands with the knuckles of the other. "You think yourself very clever about Jack, don't you?"
"It goes without saying that I am clever, of course, but this occasion does not demand much insight. If they were a trifle more secret in their chats in corners and their exchange of masonic signals, I should think, perhaps, I was a treacherous guest to mention them; but they enjoy their little comedy, and are perfectly willing others should. I think it is unkind in them not to come out openly and allow me to give them my blessing before I go."
"I must say, Hilda, I don't enjoy hearing you use that tone about Mrs. Van Tassel."
"What is the matter with my tone?" asked Hilda.
"It is light," answered Page, with grave simplicity.
His sister stared a moment, then burst into laughter. "What crotchet have you taken now?" she asked. "Doesn't the match please you?"
"It is not a match. You are laboring under a false idea. If Mrs. Van Tassel should ever distinguish a man in the way you are speaking of, it will come to our knowledge in a different manner from the one you describe. We are talking in low tones in a corner now; but we are not sentimentally interested in one another."
"An unanswerable argument," said Hilda good-naturedly. "You needn't take the matterau grand sérieux. I am profoundly grateful to Mrs. Van Tassel, and think her one of the most charming women I ever knew."
Page's countenance, which had been grave to sternness, relaxed until, slowly smiling, he looked into his companion's eyes and beamed mutely upon her.
Hilda noted the change with private astonishment, and determined to experiment.
"She is so refined," she added after a pause.
"The perfection of refinement," said Page.
"And very graceful."
Gorham nodded. "It is a pleasure to see her move, is it not?"
"She has plenty of spirit too, and wit."
"Yes, indeed. In whatever company she is, she makes her mark."
"And it is never a black and blue one either," responded Hilda, passing her handkerchief over her lips as she returned the rapt gaze of the earnest face drinking in her words. "There is so much in that. Her wit could never hurt. Her uniform, considerate kindness is her most prominent trait."
"Yes," responded Page, faithfully antiphonal. "Only a pure, true heart like hers could prompt such behavior."
"There is a subtle charm and stimulus in her society."
"And a restfulness, a satisfaction. It is hard to word it, but you have felt it; you recognize it. One can only say, it is good to be in her presence."
Hilda pushed back her chair so suddenly that her companion started. "Gorham Page," she said, gazing at him with sparkling eyes, and rising, "don't you see what has happened?"
"No," he answered, removing his fixed gaze and pushing aside the vines, the better to peer about.
"Not out there!" exclaimed his sister.
"Oh," he answered mildly. "I thought perhaps Blitzen had killed Electra."
Mrs. Page burst into laughter. Peal after peal broke from her, and she clasped her hand to her side.
Robert appeared on the scene.
"It is time you arrived," said Gorham, vaguely smiling. "I haven't the least idea what ails Hilda."
Mrs. Page dropped her head on her husband's shoulder.
"Gorham thought—thought that—that perhaps Blitzen—had killed Electra," she gasped.
"How intensely amusing," remarked Robert. "This girl is tired to death, Gorham," he went on, patting his wife's convulsed shoulder. "She thinks she doesn't want to go home, but I know it is time. Mrs. Van Tassel urges our remaining. What a spirit of sunshine she is! If ever there was an angel in a house, she is one."
Hilda lifted her head, to look at Gorham's face. She found it beaming upon his brother with tender delight, and falling back she relapsed into another spasm of laughter.
"Stop this, stop this," said her husband, giving her a little shake.
"I am really afraid Hilda isn't well," said Gorham with concern. "I am sorry if she is too tired, for I wanted to see if you all wouldn't like to come over to the dance at the hotel to-night."
"That is sensible, profoundly sensible," remarked his brother. "What could finish off a day at the Fair more appropriately than a dancing party!"
"You've got to go, Robert," said Hilda, wiping her eyes. "It will be lovely. We will smoke on the piazza, and watch the others through the windows."
"Yes, I know how you enjoy looking on at a dancing party."
"Yes, thank you, Gorham, we will come," continued Mrs. Page relentlessly. "I shall just go down to the Court of Honor for one last look," she added, sighing. "I will go up in that little balcony at the corner of the Electrical Building, and gaze once more down the stately, spacious square. I shall see the peacock-blue lake through the columns of the Peristyle, look up into the Italian sky roofing all, and say my prayers or sing the doxology; then I shall come home and pack. Oh, Robert, how can we leave it all!"
That evening Jack entered the parlor and found Clover leaning back in an armchair. He dropped into a seat beside her.
"You look fitter to adorn some marble shrine in the White City than to decorate a humdrum, mortal home," he remarked, regarding her thin gown approvingly.
"I believe I never saw you before in a dress-suit," she answered lazily. "You look very neat, my dear. That is what mother used to say to us to suppress our vanity, when we were in festive array. It is rather amusing to see Fair pilgrims in evening dress, isn't it?"
"Where is Mildred?" asked Van Tassel, looking about.
"She will be here directly. If my sister were entirely costumed at any appointed time, I should be anxious about her."
"I haven't had a chance to confess before," went on Jack, low and hastily. "I spoke to her too soon, after all. I need a keeper."
"Oh, Jack! I'm sorry."
Clover looked dismayed, and her tone was heart-felt.
"The milk is spilled, though; there is no going back. Didn't she tell you?"
"No, indeed. When did it happen?"
"The night we took the gondola ride."
"Days since, then. You are a wonder, Jack. Are you going to stay here and live it down?"
"I am going to stay here if you will let me."
"Let you? It is your home. Oh Jack, I am afraid of your tone. You haven't given up. I must tell you, though, that Mildred would be honest, uncompromisingly honest, in a serious matter like that. She is not a coquette."
"I know it."
"If she doesn't love you, you do not want her."
"I don't know whether she loves me or not, and I don't believe she knows any better."
As his handsome, frank eyes looked up at her, Clover's heart swelled with the approval and admiration she felt.
"We must relax to it," she said involuntarily.
"Or brace up to it," he replied, with his brilliant smile; "but it is too late now for the Petruchio act, Clover. I have literally and figuratively given myself away."
"Yes," said the other simply; "what you have to do now is to leave her in freedom. The Lord loves you both alike. If He does not give you Mildred, it will be because that marriage would stand in the way of your real advancement."
"Do you really believe that?" Van Tassel regarded her in curiosity and surprise.
"Why, Jack, think it out some time. How can it be any other way?" she answered, speaking hastily, for she heard a rustle on the stairs; and a moment after her voice ceased, Mildred came into the room.
She was dressed in a pale violet gown, which revealed her superb neck, and she pulled long gloves up over her bare arms as she came.
Jack sprang to his feet. How could she help liking the homage in his eyes?
"I know I haven't kept you waiting," she said brightly, "for Mrs. Page's light is still burning, and of course it will take her some little time to wake up Mr. Page."
Hilda's feet, in their little black satin slippers, came flying down the stairs as she spoke.
"Is Robert in a hammock?" she exclaimed apprehensively. "I meant to stick them both full of pins, but I haven't had time. That poor dear man has done a lot to-day, in spite of all my warnings. I expect he will sleep from here to Boston, when we get started. You two girls look perfectly lovely. I shall wake him up with that information."
As they were all finally setting out, Gorham Page came up the walk.
"I thought I would wander down and make sure of you," he said to Clover, as he turned back beside her.
"You were sure of us," she returned. "I have not danced for five years. It seems to me I should never have thought of it again but for your invitation."
"You do not care for the amusement, then?"
"Clover Bryant used to care greatly," she said, smiling; "but perhaps Mrs. Van Tassel has forgotten how to dance."
They found the long, spacious piazza of the hotel gay with promenaders.
Robert Page groaned. "How marvelous is the endurance of man and woman kind," he remarked. "How many of these people do you suppose have been doing the Fair to-day?"
"You mustn't talk about the Fair," returned his wife. "It is fortunate for you that the diversion came up, else I should have spent this evening weeping because I have said good-by."
"Have you come over here with the notion that I am going to dance?" asked Page mildly.
"No, I haven't the least idea you will. I wouldn't ask it, since you were foolish enough to tramp miles to-day."
"How could I help that, my dear, with the awful 'last chance' sensation hanging over me?"
The orchestra in the hotel parlor began to play. Jack Van Tassel came up to where the husband and wife were sitting.
"Are you going to dance, Hilda?"
"Apparently not," she answered gayly.
"Give me this, won't you?"
"Oh, you don't need to. Why, where are Mildred and Clover?"
"They are sitting over yonder. They have many friends here. It seems to me this is rather a peculiar way for you to treat my invitation."
"No, Jack," said Page, with a heart-rending sigh. "The old man will have to dance once. 'Let it be soon,' as the song says. Come, my love, weary and footsore, let us tread the dreamy maze together."
"Robert really wants to dance," said Hilda to Van Tassel confidentially. "The music inspires him. I haven't the heart to refuse. Thank you. Perhaps later we can have a turn."
"Now, wasn't that sweet of Jack and exactly like him?" asked Hilda, when they had drifted in among the floating couples. "He was afraid you were going to be immovable; and the very first dance, when of course you would suppose he would ask Mildred"—
"Or Mrs. Van Tassel, according to your theories."
"My dear, I am shaken on my theories. I may have been wrong. I hope I have been. What do you think, Robert?"
"I can't tell any of my thoughts while I am dancing, Hilda. Don't ask it. If you do, I shall probably step on your foot. I have the greatest sympathy with the man who, when his partner insisted on talking to him in a round dance, replied as follows: Yes, two, three; one, no, three; one, two, yes; and so forth."
"What a goose you are, dear; but you dance as well as you ever did, if you have forgotten how to say sweet nothings during a waltz."
"Pray remember how much more breath I used to have. The spirit is willing still, but the flesh is too many for me."
"There go Gorham and Clover," said Mrs. Page with some excitement, pausing in the dance, and taking her husband's willing arm. "Robert, I want you to watch Gorham to-night," she added impressively.
"More mysteries?" returned Page plaintively. "I don't see anything out of the way about him. He is rather stunning in a dress-suit."
"I wonder if Clover thinks so," responded Hilda significantly.
"Oh, you are only marrying him again," remarked her husband, with an air of enlightenment. "If all your plans succeeded, I don't know what would become of Gorham. He couldn't even take refuge in Utah, for I understand the Mormons are discouraging plural marriages."
"You can chaff, Robert; but mark my words, some day you will look back to this evening and exclaim over my cleverness. I haven't told you all I know. I have proofs, if I chose to"—
"Yes, my dear, your fate is the common one of those who cry 'Wolf' too often. I've heard your proofs before." Then squeezing his wife's hand against his side, he added, "There isn't another Hilda for poor Gorham, so how can I take a breathless interest in his prospects?"
Mrs. Page was mollified, of course; but she shrugged her shoulder. "I don't understand how you can see those four people together and not weave romances. Now, for instance, I am burning to know why Mildred and Jack are not dancing this first dance together, instead of with Lieutenant Eames and his cousin. I dare say poor Jack lost his chance by coming to take care of me."
But Hilda was wrong. A little circle of friends had gathered about Clover and Mildred as soon as they appeared on the hotel piazza, and Mildred saw at once in Jack's quiet withdrawal that he did not intend to ask any favor for himself. She liked this in theory, but it half-vexed her to find herself alertly cognizant of his every movement even while she chatted and laughed with her other friends. She saw him approach Hilda, and wondered if he were asking her to dance; then, when the latter moved away into the hotel with her husband, Mildred talked volubly to Eames in order to prevent his having an opportunity to offer himself for her partner. These dances were informal. There were no printed programmes. She wished to give Jack time to return to their group and claim her before the lieutenant should.
How exasperatingly deliberate his motions seemed to her, as he sauntered along!
"I can easily believe what you say, Mr. Eames," she said glibly. "The papers print a great many of the amusing blunders that are made, and I am sure they are not exaggerated, by my own experience. There were two women standing near me in front of the Manufactures Building the other day, and one said to the other: 'Oh, look at that big statute of Liberty; do you suppose it's solid gold?' 'No!' replied the other scornfully, 'it's holler. If that was solid gold it would be worth ten thousand dollars.' Then this sophisticated one turned to me. 'Can you tell me where the Court of Honor is? Is it in the Administration Building?' I answered that this was the Court of Honor, and I suppose I gestured generally, for she looked down at the Basin and then at me with a pitying smile. 'Oh no,' she said, 'that is the lagoon.'"
WhywouldJack stop to look in at the window? How slow he was! "Oh yes, and, Mr. Eames, was there any truth in that story I read about the battle-ship? Somebody says, you know, that although it looks so solid and impressive, an angry man could do it considerable damage with a crowbar, and I read lately about some country people who were visiting it. While they were exploring, the ship's bells rang, and coincidently the whistle of a neighboring tug began to blow. The story said those poor people thought the boat was going to start and rushed for the gang-plank, panic-stricken. One man fell into the water, and a woman broke her ankle. It ought not to be amusing, but it is."
"Ha, ha," responded Eames, "there is a grain of truth in it;" (Jack was drawing near) "the rest is the reporter's imagination. I can tell you what was the foundation of that yarn." (Jack approached and stood near the speaker.) "Won't you dance this with me, Miss Bryant, and I will initiate you into some of the methods of newspaper men as discovered by the officer-of-the-day at Jackson Park."
They moved away, and Helen Eames, who had audaciously escaped a would-be partner in the hope of this very event, fell to Jack's lot.
She was a vivacious, jolly girl, and a man was not obliged to talk much while with her, so Van Tassel yielded to her determination to detain him at her side as long as was feasible.
Mildred, promenading with her partner on the piazza after the dance, passed them sitting near the water where one could see, down the curve of the lake, the fireworks of the White City bursting in starry brilliance. Far out upon Michigan's breast shone a row of steady lights, beside which, as on a liquid boulevard, the illuminated passenger-boats plied up and down.
Van Tassel was playing with his companion's fan, and laughing as though he were well entertained, at the moment Mildred passed by.
The sight did not please her.
"It is all my monumental vanity," she thought. "I am glad Jack isn't one of the sort of men who stand around in corners and watch one tragically."
She had danced several times when Clover, left near her by Gorham Page while he went to bring her a glass of water, addressed her.
"You haven't danced with Jack once," she said, with hasty reproach.
"Haven't I?" Mildred raised her eyebrows.
"But aren't you going to, dear?"
"Not unless he asks me, darling."
Clover stared, then turned away to smile. She had not often seen Mildred in such an ill-humor.
"Poor, dear, unconscious Petruchio," she reflected. "I wonder if he is building better than he knows."
Here Page returned with the water, and she could say no more, even if she wished. Moreover, Gorham now addressed Mildred, to claim the dance for which the strains of the Washington Post March were already sounding assertively.
Jack had this two-step with Hilda, and when it was over he brought her to a seat near those which Mildred and Gorham had taken on the piazza.
"Mildred," remarked Hilda, "this young man does know how to dance."
Van Tassel bowed until the parting in his hair was visible.
"That is nice," returned Miss Bryant languidly.
"The fireworks are over," continued Hilda. "That awful word 'nevermore' is hanging over everything for me to-night. I meant to be out here to see the last piece, but I wasn't,—that superb volcano, or mine, or whatever name they try to describe it by. I want you all to think of me with compassion every time you see it hereafter. Where do you suppose Robert is?"
"Perhaps I ought to know," suggested Gorham. "I will hunt him up if you will allow me, Miss Mildred."
"I'll go with you," said Mrs. Page. "It is rather cool here to sit still after dancing. You will excuse me, Jack? I think I ought to let poor Robert off now, and take him home."
It was the first time Mildred and Jack had been alone together since the memorable evening.
"May I have the next dance?" asked Van Tassel abruptly.
"If you like," answered the girl carelessly. "Haven't you had enough dancing?"
"I haven't had any," he answered briefly; and Mildred told herself that the demon of her vanity had received what it craved, so warm a sensation of satisfaction stole around her heart.
"I thought I would make myself safe before one of your other friends espied you here; but if you are tired"—
"I am never tired—physically," said the girl, with a slow smile.
"I was only going to say that I would be content to sit out the next with you; although we have not danced together since that night in the boathouse." Jack smiled. "Do you remember what you told me?"
"Oh yes. You made that child very happy. She owes you a dance."
"These surroundings are strange. Have you been thinking of it?"
"Yes. Only last year this ground was a tangle of goldenrod and willow-trees. How many times we have gone bathing on that beach! It was as good a playground for jolly youngsters as could be imagined; and now"—
She paused.
"Now, the music has commenced," suggested Jack, rising. "In consideration of the manner in which I have effaced myself so far, you should allow our dance to begin promptly."
They entered the parlor by the door which leads from the east piazza. She put her hand in his, and they glided away over the polished floor among the pillars with their vine-like wreaths of electric lights.
Amid the scattering groups which, outside, watched the dancers through the windows, was one spectator who was seeing a conventional dancing party for the first time in her life. It had suddenly occurred to Robert Page that it would be worth the exertion of going after Aunt Love to see her view this pretty scene; and when Hilda and Gorham reached the front entrance of the hotel in their search for Robert, they found him ascending the steps with Miss Berry.
"The young ladies did ask me if I didn't want to come over, and I thought I should feel out o' place," she said; "but Mr. Page, he just made me, so here I am."
"Now, come to this window," said Robert, "and tell me what you think of that."
The others clustered around Miss Lovina, as she murmured and exclaimed in her surprise.
"I never approved o' dancin'," she said. "I never saw any before. Mr. Gorham, do you remember that hall in the New York Buildin'? That must be temptin' to young critters when it's lighted up, and the music's a-playin'. Why," eagerly, "see Miss Mildred and Mr. Jack. My, don't they go pretty! And there's Mrs. Van Tassel herself and some feller. Why," turning suddenly upon Gorham, "why ain't you in there dancin' with her?"
"I have danced with her twice," he answered. "I mustn't be a monopolist, although it is a temptation. She is by far the best dancer here."
Upon this Hilda pressed her small satin shoe against her husband's foot, and he obtusely moved it out of her way.
"Well, I declare," exclaimed Miss Berry, gazing in ever-warming admiration, "if it ain't enough to make a body want to be young and pretty. To think this is the real, wicked thing itself, and I ain't shocked. What's the matter with me, Mr. Gorham?"
"Considering your prejudices and traditions, it is a little odd. Perhaps it is because you cannot associate an idea of evil with anything you see Mrs. Van Tassel engaging in."
Here Mrs. Page again endeavored to gain her lord's sympathy, with the result that he ejaculated: "Where would you like to have me put my feet, Hilda?"
"Why don't you go in there and dance, Mr. Gorham?" pursued Miss Berry.
"Am I so young and pretty that you want to see me? Well, if Hilda is willing to favor me."
"Oh certainly, so long as Robert doesn't care to go home.Au revoir, dears."
"Now, then," Aunt Love turned upon her companion argumentatively, "are you perfectly willin' a man should put his arm around your wife's waist?"
"On the contrary, I should object seriously."
"How about that, then?" Miss Berry gestured toward the hall.
"For a man to place his hand on a woman's waist to steady and support her is not to put his arm around her. There are too many other things for a couple to think of in guiding themselves successfully through a crowd of dancers to allow of their usually being conscious of the intimacy of their position. Don't be afraid to admire the dancing, Aunt Love. It can be abused, like everything else; but it is an excellent exercise, inculcating grace, strength, and good manners."
"Well, now, I'm goin' to tell some folks I know what you say. Ain't your wife just as light as a fairy, and don't your brother look handsome to-night? No, sir, there ain't any folks here as good-lookin' as ours."
When the waltz was finished, Gorham Page and Hilda approached Clover and told her that Aunt Love was without. She excused herself from her partner to go with them, and soon afterward Gorham walked home with her.
"Thank you so much for coming," he said, when he was bidding her good-night.
"I am sure we have all to thank you," she answered. "Isn't it hard to be reconciled to letting your brother and Hilda go? We have been such a pleasant party."
"Yes," returned Page, looking down at her as she stood in her white wrap, an unconsciously adoring expression in his eyes; "this summer is an experience that one could wish would never end. Going away," he smiled vaguely, "leaving you, having these weeks come to an end, is almost as difficult to grasp in prospect as the thought of death."
Clover laughed softly. "We won't borrow trouble," she said. "Good-night."
CHAPTER XXIV.
DRESS PARADE.
"Do you think Jack enjoyed himself?" asked Clover, when her sister crossed the hall to her room that night for the usual last word before retiring.
"I suppose he did. How anxious you are about Jack all the time! You make an absolute fetish of him. It used to mislead me."
"Did it?" Clover smiled, and turned back to her dressing-table.
"Yes, indeed, and no wonder. It is a good thing, however, that I was mistaken, else I'm sure there would have been coffee and pistols ordered for two. I want your opinion, Clover, on a delicate question. Supposing a man of some strength of character spends a whole evening at a dance following about after a woman, smiling pensively at her face, or the back of her head, or her shoulder, or whatever of her he can get to smile at, and finding spots of vantage from which he can behold her dance when he is not dancing with her himself. Supposing he flies about to bring her glasses of water, and wraps, and fans, and performs all the other offices which are usually the privilege of her partners, driving said partners to the last pitch of exasperation. What, I ask you, is the matter with that man?"
Clover turned her tender glance upon her sister, marveling that the spirit of mischief could be so rampant in her eyes.
"Dear," she said reproachfully, "that man is very deeply in love."
"That is what I supposed myself," replied Mildred demurely; "but I wanted to be sure I didn't exaggerate."
"Too seriously so for you to make merry over it," continued Clover, shaking her head.
"Well, if you aren't a pair of you!" exclaimed Mildred, bursting into laughter, which she endeavored to repress out of consideration of the lateness of the hour. Then she seized her sister's astonished face between her hands and kissed her repeatedly. "I suppose there isn't another man in the world beside Jack Van Tassel, is there? How glad I am, I am not attached to him; I should be wildly jealous."
"Oh—let me go, Mildred. I didn't know you meant—I didn't know that any one noticed"— Clover was as red as her namesake, and looking everywhere except at her sister.
"Noticed! Why, my dear, he was a perfect spectacle. I fancy everybody in the room noticed except himself. He doesn't know what is the matter with him, either. He asked me once, when we were out on the piazza, if there wasn't some malaria here. He isn't able to sleep of late, and his appetite isn't right." Mildred went off into a peal of laughter.
"Hush. Do please hush, Milly," implored poor crimson Clover in an agony. "Supposing Hilda should hear you and come in. She will. Oh,please."
"He said he thought he should take—oh dear, I'm hurting myself—he thought he should take quinine!" Mildred wiped her eyes; "and I said—I was of the opinion—oh my! that something sweet would help him more; extract of Clover, perhaps."
"Mildred, tell me instantly you didn't say that!"
"Well, not quite so much as that; but he tempted me dreadfully."
"Go to bed, Milly. Go to bed straight off. It is late."
"All right; but isn't it funny?" pleadingly.
"No. I do not think it funny at all."
"Oh, you must; that big, absent man, vainly mooning around among his data"—
"Well, if you will only go away; perhaps—it's a little— There, I have turned the gas out. You will have to go."
"I am about to set up a Gorham to match your Jack," said Mildred irrepressibly. "I am going to see that you treat the poor man right, and help him diagnose his symptoms. I am going to give you reproachful glances and him tender ones. I shall have to tell him they're tender, though"— But here Clover succeeded in pushing her over the threshold and closing the door upon her.
The following day Mr. and Mrs. Page took their departure, the latter more reluctant than ever to leave so many objects of interest.
"Ain't it lonely without 'em?" said Aunt Love that night to Clover, after dinner. "I don't know but you'll want to ask Mr. Gorham over here to help fill up the gap," she suggested rather timidly.
"No, I think we won't disturb his arrangements," replied Clover quietly. "I suppose he can't stay here very much longer any way."
Miss Berry went to the back door to give Blitzen and Electra their supper, and arbitrate between them while they ate it.
"She won't ask him over. H'm!" she soliloquized, arranging two dishes of scraps, while the two pets barked and chirped expectantly. Then she seated herself on a step to watch their proceedings.
"That looks like it," she continued in her own thoughts. "Well, if this is what he's been waitin' for, thirty odd years, I don't feel to blame him. Now you get back, Electry. Blitzen ain't a-goin' to stand everything. Sometimes it does seem's if you had the most cheek of any critter in feathers. Well, look at that now!" for Blitzen, exasperated at a raid upon his plate, jumped at the chicken, who quick as thought hopped on his back, and clung to her perch by means of claw and wing while the terrier raced in a mad circle.
Aunt Love's hearty laugh rang out as she watched Blitzen's fruitless efforts to disembarrass himself. At last he lay down and rolled over, and Electra, squawking excitedly, ran back to her plate.
She was not pursued. The terrier ever afterward regarded her as something uncanny, and so far as possible refrained from acknowledging her existence.
An event of general interest during the Fair summer was the visit to the Exposition of the West Point cadets. Cro' Nest itself is scarcely more immovable from its position among the Highlands of the Hudson than these pets of Uncle Sam; but it is a matter of history that they and their paraphernalia were transferred to the Philadelphia Centennial, and now again with much form and ceremony their camp was set up in the green plain adjoining the Government Building on the shore of Lake Michigan. They arrived one dazzling afternoon, which began serenely calm, but toward evening gave the guests a northeast wind which sent white-capped waves rushing landward, and shook the tents in the new company-streets.
Starting from the Terminal Station, the young soldiers marched through the streets of the White City, preceded by their famous band, and as they proceeded looked neither to the right nor the left at the widely noised marvels surrounding them, but kept eyes front as though still treading their own quiet, elm-lined avenues, while the waiting crowds cheered and cheered again the elegant precision of their movements.
In an hour, gray-coated sentinels were again walking post in this new Camp Sheridan, alertly conscious of their routine business, and apparently without a thought of the surroundings beyond the camp.
Mildred Bryant felt considerable interest in the cadets, and assumed much more. "Helen Eames says that no matter how good a time a girl may have, she can never have as good a one as if she had spent a summer at West Point," she announced to Van Tassel one day, on the occasion of their being together. She felt that he made these occasions rare, and at times the fact touched her. At others she said to herself, "He is getting over it."
"Then why don't you go there?" asked Jack. "I don't know who has a better right to the flowers of life."
"I did think of getting Clover to take me next summer, but now, wonder of wonders, the mountain has come to Mahomet. Don't you want to go down to parade to-night?"
"Yes; I don't know just how to make you comfortable, though. The mob is something marvelous. I looked over their heads a minute last night, but being in the sixth or seventh row, concluded the game wasn't worth the candle."
"Ah, that is where the convenience comes in of having a military friend," returned Mildred gayly. "We shall not need to mingle with thehoi polloi. Won't you come too, Clover?" as her sister entered the room.
"Where?"
"To see dress parade this evening."
"Yes, I am going. Mr. Page has already asked me."
"I don't believe you had better try to get along without me. Jack and I are going to meet Mr. Eames on the steps of the Army Hospital at a quarter before six. There is a great crowd."
"Thank you. Perhaps we will be there. Did you hear Aunt Love's comment last night? She said that in the afternoon she ran into an impassable throng near the Administration Plaza, and after vainly trying a long time to get through, she finally found the attraction was only a lot of schoolboys drilling. If those important young heroes could have heard her scornful tone!"
When Clover had left the room, Jack spoke again. "Since you have an appointment with Eames, I withdraw, Mildred. I don't see why you asked me."
"He said I might bring my friends," she replied. "Do come, Jack."
Van Tassel looked straight into her eyes, and smiled with an expression which seemed to the girl both brave and hopeless.
"Won't you?" she persisted.
"Of course," he answered.
In the afternoon, Clover walked to the Park, and entering back of Texas walked down the northern avenue of State buildings. The usual crowd was flocking in and out of Mount Vernon, but she crossed the street to New Jersey's charming home, and entered. It was entertaining a large number of sightseers, note-book in hand, who jotted down their inventories. Clover wished she might look over the shoulder of one woman, with a harassed but determined countenance, whom she met in the cosy west room downstairs. She wondered how this anxious one would be able to transfer to paper the charm of its quiet comfort, with the breezy foliage waving near its half-closed green blinds and casting shadows on the dainty white curtains.
It was all familiar ground to Clover, so she went upstairs and seated herself in a corner of the deep, luxurious sofa which commanded a view, down through the open gallery, of the front door.
People came, looked, commented, passed into the dainty blue chintz bedroom, emerged smiling, and went away.
Many had appeared, climbing the stairway with various degrees of toil, before the figure she awaited came into view. This one sprang up the steps alertly, with a serious expression, which brightened to pleasure at sight of her.
"Have I kept you waiting?" he asked eagerly. "I came around from the Cliff Dwellers by the Intramural road, and we had a stoppage of several minutes. I have been very anxious."
"I am sorry for that," answered Clover, as Page seated himself beside her. "I thought you knew that I am always content in this house. I should move down here and live, if they would let me. I have been fancying that I was holding a reception as the visitors came and went. I wonder if any pilgrim to the Fair has a soul so dead as not to covet this house."
"I didn't know you liked it so much," said Gorham, as though the fact were of serious importance. "Perhaps you would enjoy having tea here."
"Tea in the New Jersey Building? What a pleasure! But why do you tantalize me?"
"I think we can. The lady manager from New Jersey is a near relative of mine. Excuse me a minute and I will try the magic of her name."
Page went downstairs, and in five minutes returned.
"The house is mine, practically," he declared, smiling. "I herewith present it to you."
"How delightful! And the tea?"
"Is near by." Gorham went to one of the locked doors on the east side of the hall and knocked. Presently he ushered Clover into this exclusive nook, and the door closed behind them.
It was an appetizing little supper that was shortly set before them on the daintily clothed round table.
"You have gratified one of my pet ambitions," said Clover. "Now I shall always feel a small proprietorship as well as a great affection for this house. I am really breaking bread at its board."
"You spoil your friends by the pleasure you make it to contribute a little to your happiness," returned Gorham, his eyes resting upon her with the utmost satisfaction.
"This room is as charming as the rest," remarked Clover, looking about at its ruddy decorations; "and the remoteness one feels from everything confusing, or noisy, or soiling, can only be appreciated by those who do not live in the midst of a large, well-kept park. I amused myself while waiting for you by searching for the fewest words that will describe the faces of Fair visitors. I decided upon 'tired' and 'pleased.' Not 'delighted;' they are too weary for that,—but just 'pleased.'"
Page looked away and considered the idea, as Clover had intended he should.
"Do you know Mildred gives us the opportunity to find good places at parade under Mr. Eames' wing?" she suggested after a minute.
"Oh, I am glad to hear that. I don't quite understand what makes the cadets such a fad. No; one can't call it a fad either, for there is no sudden interest in them, they are always lionized. Since they have been here, I notice that people go hours before the time for parade for the sake of securing good places, and then wait patiently; so I have been wondering this afternoon how I could fix it for you to get a view of the ceremonies. It will be very pleasant to have Mr. Eames' assistance."
"Then comes in that awful word again," laughed Clover. "We shall have to hurry a little."
Page sighed unconsciously. "Is this very good tea?" he asked, as they finally rose from the table. "I am not a connoisseur."
"Very nice indeed."
"I thought it must be. I never enjoyed any tea so much in my life."
"Then we are very much obliged to each other, aren't we?" said Clover gayly, and consuming her watch, she reminded her companion again of the hour of the appointment, and they hastened away.
They arrived at the hospital steps just as the others were leaving.
"Oh, you loiterers," was Mildred's greeting.
"Don't you see our breathless condition?" returned Clover. "How can you have the heart to reproach us? How do you do, Mr. Eames? We are very grateful to you. What a hopeless throng that looks like!"
"Let me take some of those camp chairs," said Gorham, suiting the action to the word.
Mr. Eames led his party towards the officers' tents. They had to force their way through serried ranks of gazers, who were held back with difficulty by the blue-coated sentinels from the camp of "regulars" near by. The sentinel saluted Eames as he passed, and the lieutenant stood still and allowed his friends to file before him to the reserved places before the officers' tents. There they found Helen Eames, who welcomed them radiantly, fixing cordial eyes on Jack in a manner not lost upon Mildred. The latter did not enjoy this effusiveness. She did not wish to marry anybody, but at the same time she did not like to have any other girl try to appropriate her especial friends.
However, her attention was soon momentarily distracted by the novel sights before her, and the usual questions began to flow.
Eames was most willing to answer them. Before long the band marched out upon the plain, and the evening's ceremonies had begun. The cadets, a shining assembly, marched forth from the company-streets and fell into line.
The band, playing The Thunderer, marched up and down the plain before the motionless ranks, and one to whom the West Point forms were familiar asked himself if it must not all be a dream. Here were the same camp, the same cadets, the same band; but where were the mountains, the huge old elms, the river?—instead, the Government Building, the Fisheries, the Battle-Ship, and Lake Michigan.
To Mildred the very sight of the band was not thrilling from all it implied, but she soon found herself absorbed in interest and admiration.
Once she turned around to Jack, who stood behind her.
"I think I must go to West Point, after all."
"Indeed, you must. It is perfectly lovely," exclaimed Miss Eames. "There, you see, that is the adjutant now, advancing to the officer-in-charge;" and she proceeded volubly to explain the tactics which followed.
"I think I shall have to know some cadets," remarked Mildred, turning to Eames.
"That will be very easy; and when you know one, you will know all. They can talk only on one subject," was the rather stiff reply.
Mildred was perfectly aware that the young lieutenant admired her. She saw that her proposition was displeasing to him; but what she did not know was that he had not yet recovered from that profound fall which results from exchanging the chevrons of a first-class man for the shoulder-straps of a second lieutenant. That young officer must indeed have a seared conscience who can lay his hand on his heart and declare that he entertains only cordial sentiments for a cadet of the first class when their ways chance to cross.
"You refused to attend the cadet ball with me at the New York Building to-night," added Eames reproachfully.
"Why, of course; in my ignorance. Wasn't it stupid of me? Oh, what are they running for? Isn't that pretty? Wouldn't you like to be a cadet again, Mr. Eames?"
"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated that officer devoutly. "I am waked up by reveille yet. Hope I shall get over it some time."
"Mildred is contracting cadet fever, Mr. Van Tassel," declared Helen, looking up at Jack in a way which Miss Bryant noted resentfully, in spite of her preoccupation.
"I never before noticed how objectionable Helen's ways with men are," she thought. "I know Jack wishes she wouldn't look at him like that."
"I suppose so, Miss Eames," replied Van Tassel. "I am trying to find out what it is that is so fetching about those all-conquering youngsters."
But Jack need not have tried. No male civilian under forty was ever known to discover.
"What is cadet fever?" asked Mildred, "and what is the microbe; a bell-button? I haven't one yet."
The "double-timing" companies had retreated down the streets of camp, and the cheering crowds of spectators quieted. Many of them moved toward the lake shore; for in a short time it had been learned that the cadets would next march to supper preceded by the drum corps; and any ceremony which they performed, no matter how simple, drew a curious throng.
"What is the matter? What are they going to do now?" asked Mildred.
"Going to the Clambake to supper," replied Eames.
"Then I am going to the Clambake to supper," announced Miss Bryant.
"I think you would not enjoy it," said Eames shortly.
"I know I shall," responded Mildred, with her glorious smile.
"I am so sorry I shall have to leave you," remarked Helen. "I have a number of friends among the first class. They were yearlings when I was at the post. I have promised to attend the festivities with one of them to-night. Do come and see me, Mr. Van Tassel," holding out her hand. "Remember you owe me a game of tennis. I assure you, you would not beat all the time. Are you coming with me, Fred?"
"I believe not, unless you want me. If these people are determined to go to the Clambake, I think I shall have to go too; but remember, you are to save a two-step for me to-night."
"Au revoir, then;" and Miss Eames, her last glance for Jack, moved away.
"We won't go with Mildred," said Clover, "for we have had tea recently, and aren't hungry yet. You would never guess where, either. Good-by, Mr. Eames. We are all greatly indebted to you."
"Indeed we are," said Gorham, shaking hands cordially with the lieutenant. "That was a most interesting sight. I congratulate you on being one fit to survive that tremendous training. This is the show side, but I know something of the other."
"Where did you have tea; where?" demanded Mildred, smiling into Gorham's serious face. He instantly smiled back. Those cold, abstracted eyes of Page's had learned a new look recently, as though so much sunshine had warmed his heart that there was an overflow.
"It would make you so discontented with the Clambake, dear," suggested Clover with mischievous deprecation.
"Why, Iwillknow."
"The New Jersey house."
"You selfish creatures! Aren't they?" exclaimed Mildred, calling upon Eames and Van Tassel to witness.
"Yes, we are," laughed Gorham, as he and Clover turned away. "We know it."
Mildred, her companions on either side of her, began her walk northward. Eames wished cordially that Jack would remember an engagement. Jack wished sincerely that he knew what Mildred wanted him to do. Unconsciously fulfilling the lieutenant's desire, he spoke:—
"I suppose I really ought to be at home attending to some correspondence I have been putting off, instead of loitering at the Clambake."
Eames answered without giving Mildred time to speak. "I shall be most happy to take Miss Bryant home after her curiosity is satisfied." Van Tassel's jealous ears detected the eagerness in his polite tone.
"But supposing my curiosity is not gratified by the time you are obliged to go and array yourself gorgeously for the evening? No, Jack, I am sorry for you, but Mr. Eames is engaged elsewhere."
"It need not be for some hours yet," protested the lieutenant.
Mildred shook her head firmly. "I couldn't think of allowing you to assume the care of me in addition to all your other responsibilities this evening."
"Very well," said Jack. "When it comes to a matter of letter-writing, my conscience never requires very much soothing."
When they reached the Clambake, two cadets were just issuing therefrom. Their hands went up in an instant salute to Eames, who had for the moment preceded his friends.
"I suppose there is a great deal of eating and running being done to-night," remarked Jack.
"But where are they?" asked Mildred aggrievedly, as they entered the busy, noisy eating-room.
"The cadets mess upstairs," returned Eames, with latent satisfaction. "Did you suppose they fell in here with the general company? You don't know much of military discipline, Miss Bryant."
"Never mind; if they are going to run up and down that staircase all the time, as they are doing now, I shall see a great deal of them."
"There isn't much order to-night," remarked the lieutenant. "The cadets own the Fair for the moment, and permits have been issuedad libitum."
But supper had scarcely been brought to the three friends when, with a grand clatter on the bare staircase, the remainder of the corps came hurrying down, walked out the door, and quickly forming in ranks marched back to camp.
"Now, does that pay for mingling in this drove of people and getting half-served?" asked Jack, with disdain.
"Fully," exclaimed Miss Bryant, with enthusiasm. "Without those absurd straps around their faces, one can see what beautiful creatures they are."
"Well, I'm glad," returned Van Tassel shortly.
"I am resigned to your interest in the cadets," said Eames, "if it brings you to West Point, for I am likely to get a detail there next year."
Jack took no part in the animated discussion that followed.
"Don't look bored, Jack," said Mildred at last. "Ask Mr. Eames questions, as I do."
"There isn't any need. You have covered the ground. You are mistaken about my being bored. This is my expression when I am absorbing stimulating information."
"Then he should abstain from stimulants. Don't you think so, Mr. Eames?"
They arose from the table, and going out into the arc-lighted street, walked slowly west.
When they reached Brazil, Mildred declared her desire to go into the building.
"I suppose I ought to leave you," said Eames reluctantly, "but perhaps if you remain in the grounds I may meet you again."
"What is going on?" asked Van Tassel.
"Several things. A procession of illuminated boats in honor of the cadets, a concert by the West Point band outside the Michigan house, illumination of all the State buildings and dancing in many of them, but notably New York, all for the cadets. You will be likely to hear enough of those young men and see enough of them if you remain, Van Tassel."
"Oh, we can't," smiled Mildred demurely, as she gave her hand to the lieutenant. "We have important letters to write."
The "we," even in jest, was music to Jack. He turned to her as they ascended Brazil's steps. "Well, are you ready to come back to civil life?"
"Haven't I been civil all the time? And you," reproachfully, "were going to leave me."
"Only out of regard to Eames."
"I think you might have more regard for me than for him."
"I have. I thought you knew it."
Mildred did not answer. They had reached the large salon which was the second floor of Brazil's home, and from thence ascended the spiral iron staircase leading to the roof. Mounting another short flight of steps, they entered one of the four towers, and standing between its white pillars looked down on the enchanting vision of early evening in the White City,—the sum of imaginable loveliness.
The imposing façades of its palaces were now pure but not dazzling; the green trees and flowering shrubs of Wooded Island were hung with thousands of fairy lights; the long, bridge-spanned canals wound away into distant mysterious vistas, where tower on tower still rose far as the eye could discern; and, queen above all, stood the flamy curves of the coronet of Administration.
The columns of the Art Palace were mirrored in the lagoon, and near and far upon the water's breast lay little boats, gay with lights, in readiness for the procession soon to take place; their chains of colored globes faithfully reflected in the depths below.
Distant bells were chiming; from one of the boats the tinkling melody of a mandolin floated up to the watchers in the lofty tower; all else was still, as though the peerless scene were indeed something supernatural, evoked for a moment's breathless rapture, and fated to disappear forever.
Neither Mildred nor her companion spoke for a time.
"Once you gave me your hand when we lived such an experience as this together," said Jack at last, withdrawing his gaze and looking at Mildred in the twilight.
She hesitated, then extended her hand frankly. "So I will again," she answered, with an effort at her old air of good-comradeship. "I am a great believer in handshaking."
Van Tassel only looked at her without accepting the favor, and shook his head slowly. "No," he said, as though to himself, "I cannot be satisfied with it."
Mildred blushed as her hand dropped. "You said," she returned low and swiftly, "that everything should be as it was before."
"Yes, I did, because I was inexperienced. I have never been in love with any one else, and I didn't know how it was going to be. I have become better acquainted with myself since that night and can speak with more intelligence. I find myself hoping, even though I say over every day that there cannot be the slightest hope for me, because you know me well, and by this time the truth would be evident to you. If it were in my favor you would tell me, wouldn't you?"
The girl gave him one fearful glance, and looked away.
"You would, of course?" he said, with sudden excitement, seizing the hand he had refused. "Mildred, I love you! I love you! I do not say it to you every hour, but I think it with every breath. You would not make me wait one moment if"—
"Oh, how can you, Jack? Why must you love a girl so unworthy?" She shrank closer to the railing. "I told you,—I tried to warn you,—I told you that I do not love anybody but Mildred Bryant."
Before she ceased speaking, Van Tassel had released her and recovered himself.
"And the Peristyle," he added steadily, "you are forgetting that."
She did not smile, and her lips quivered.
"So long as my only rivals are your sweet self and the Indians, Helmsmen,et. al., who view the country from the top of the Peristyle, I cannot despair. Perhaps I ought to, dear, but I can't."
Mildred wondered if her companion were really so pale as the shadows made him appear.
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast, and I am going to hope until you announce your engagement to me. Then, until I receive your wedding cards, I shall look to see you find that engagement a mistake. And if you are married," Jack paused; "I don't know. My mind turns blank when it occurs to me that you might marry another man."
"I am not worth it. I am not worth it," repeated the girl.
"Have I made you unhappy? Shall I go away? Will my presence be a burden to you now?"
"No." Mildred looked at him piteously. "I think I have a stone in here instead of a heart," she said, pressing her side, "but stay with me and—and keep the others away. I don't need to tell you how much I like you, Jack. If only it were safe to say what you want me to when I only like you, and value you, and respect you more than any other man"— She paused, unable to proceed.
He turned to her, tender consideration in his tone.
"That is a great deal, Mildred. I must try not to forfeit it."