Marion Marlowe in Salt Lake City — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

MY | know, and we make it a rule to see that our guests are supplied with partners first, ” with the exception, of course, that I open the ball—a duty that is always expected of the colonel of a garrison.” “JT will dance with any one’you say,” said Marion, sweetly. .“I see there are not very hs many ladies who dance and, of course, [’ll do my best to make up the shortage.” _ “And your friends are being equally kind,’ -. said the colonel, glancing around the ‘room. “I see they are all dancing. That helps us out wonderfully.” A group of*people surrounded them now a peed the colonel introduced them; the next | ‘moment he was leading Miss Allyn on the | sabe arm of a handsome lieutenant. er There was dance aiter dance, with the ‘z / music erowing livelier all the time, ‘and, by two o'clock, the young girl as almost ex- . pe saeiste Such a jojly scene she had never _ before wittessed, aiid she entered into the ' a with her whole heart and soul. She was passionately fond of music, and the floor was like glass; besides, she was _ enveloped in an atmosphere of admiration by the soldiers, who could not resist filling her ears with soft, sweet speeches. There was a banquet spread in the mess- room of the barracks, and, as her escort _ led her in through the crowd for a dish of ice cream, Marion came suddenly face to _ face with Artemas ‘Canton. | “One of our representative citizens,” said her escort, as they all bowed and smiled, “and very: eager for a chat with you, Miss Marlowe.’ 4 Marion cou!d not singh. and a hai&tour _ later she was seated at Mr. Canton’s side in a nearly deserted corner of the quaint old barracks. | What her companion said to her she hardly knew; but, as Marion listened to his smooth voice and delicately flattering words, she found herself thinking again of his pe- ¢culiar belief and half sympathizing with the women who had become so infatuated with him. : A little later Miss Allyn rescued her, and Marion was able to return to her friends for J ast a brief moment. QUEEN. 15 3 y “Dear me! So the ogre captured you, after all! I did not mean he should,” said Miss Allyn, savagely, ‘but aren’tewe having a glorious time! It beats the Inauguration Ball all hollow !” | “| certainly am having a good time,” laughed Marion, and then another of the soldiers offered her his arm, and away she went as gayly as ever. “A beautiful girl,’ remarked Mr: Canton, as he watched her from’a corner, ‘‘and rich, too, they tell me!* What a pity she is not ‘of the Mormon faith! She would be a jewel in the crown of the church; is not that so, Elder Mason?” He had turned to his com- panion as he spoke, and both exchanged meaning glances. “You are usually successful with the la- ~ dies: perhaps, it might be managed, Elder Canton,’’ was the only answer, as the beard- ed follgwer of Brigham Young rubbed hts hands together, soitly. “There is not sufficient time! She leaves Utah to-morrow,” was the low reply. ‘To detain her for pea a would necessitate prompt action.’ His companion glanced once more at the beautiful girl, and ‘1en spoke again in a cautious whisper. ) Mr. Canton listened attentively and then bowed his head. “It can be done and I will do it, with your assistance, elder, for, as you say, no one will ever guess, and she is really very beautiful! The only woman I have seen in years who could make me defy the law and remain steadfast and true to the doctrines of polyg- amy!” "The reward will be yours at the Great Day,” muttered his companion, hypocritic- ally; then the two walked slowly from the. ball-room, where they could consult to- gether. Both plotters knew that Marion was young and innocent, and both felt sure that, away from her friends, she would be per- fectly tractable in their hands. The fortune which they had heard she PpOs- sessed was the first incentive, but the young girl’s beauty made them even more eager, for neither of these men had really bowed to the law; they were as much polygamists comicbooks.cO