Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 77: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

'.“* FIRST 1N TIME, FIRST BY RIGHT!” ' 73 ‘*How are you, Huntress?” and then turned to Gladys with his most alluring smile. ‘‘The signal for dancing has been given, Miss Huntress; may I have the pleasure of doing the opening set with you?” Gladys’ cheeks were very red, for she resented his _ manner toward Geofirey. What right had he to assume such insolent superiority over him, who she knew pos- sessed by far the nobler nature of the two. But she said politely, though with a little secret feeling of triumph in refusing him: ‘*You are a trifle late, Mr. Mapleson, as I have already promised the first dance; butif you will come to me later, you shall write your name upon my card.” The young man frowned slightly, for he could never endure to have his wishes denied, but he was obliged to bow acquiescence, and turned away to seek a partner elsewhere. But he managed to station himself where he could watch the young couple incessantly, and not a move- ment, not a smile or glance escaped him. ? _ They love each other,” he muttered, ‘‘at least he loves her, and it would not take much to make them acknowl- edged lovers. I shall be both watchful and dilligent. I wish I knew the secret of the fellow’s life. It can’t be possible that he is anything to our family, and yetI am dusedly annoyed by the mystery.” When he went later, to claim Gladys’ promise to dance — with him, he exerted himself more than he had ever done to be entertaining and agreeable. He told her about his Southern home, and the life he led when there. He described the luxuriant beauty which surrounded ‘‘Vue de l’Eau,” his father’s estate, and so called from the broad, sweeping view which they had of the beautiful James River, which lay right beneath them. He told her something of his courtly father and his stately, beautiful mother, and was really eloquent in his de- Sagption of the spot that had given him birth. I wish you could come to ‘Vue de1’Eau’ sometime, Miss Huntress; I am sure you would agree with me that there is nothing finer in the way of scenery, even on your ey far-famed Hudson,” he said, in conclusion. “Thank you, Mr. Mapleson ; ; your disceiptions are surely very enticing,” Gladys replied, with a smile. “T suppose your parents are both natives of the South ?” “Yes, they were both born in Richmond, and my father was a colonel in the Oonfederate army at the time. of our 3