Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1858-02-12

you disturbed about it, Captain, if you
have NO regard for her?'
4! "The presumption Of that puppy" he
replied, SIS enough to excite my anger
But, since your confidence in Ida is so
implicit, will you tell me whether it is
mutual2 Have you ever given her any
cause Of offence9 p @ at.
"surely noti But why do you ask SO
strange a question? Has she ever spoken
unkindly of mef"
ITO your questions, Bell, can give no
definite answer. / have reasons for my
opinion but can only say to you-watch
for yourself; observe her manner to you,
and to Maj. Dade; combine circumstances,
analyze motives and then decide for your
SELF And now, as it is time to post the
sentinels, I must bid you good evening"
II was now Bells turn TO be confounded
I-bewildered by doubts and fears. For
the first time, suspicion Of Ida's truth and
candor was aroused, by the assertions and
inuendoes Of Fritz; and though far from
being convinced that such suspicion was
well founded, its impress was made upon
her heart, and the corrosive power of
Jealousy was quietly at work, deepening
that impress and undermining an affection
worthily bestowed and sincerely recipro-
Gated. For what unworthy purpose, the
Captain thus undertook to estrange two
hearts long cordially united, perhaps he
himself could not have told but the evil
spirit, at work within him, suggested
blow wherever its force might be felt by
the innocent object Of his vengeful temper.
To crush Idas happiness, to blast her
character, if possible, was the impulse of
his heart and he already gloated over the
idea that she would some day, be sup
plant, at his feet, for mercy and forgive
ness. Yes, he would yet make her his
wife, and not till then would his victory
be complete-his wounded vanity healed
his vengeance satiated. 1A g
Such we're the tho ughts that engrossed
him, as he went the round of evening duty,
and neither the inferior officers nor the
soldiers, with whom he came in contact,
had need of an interpreter to tell them
that some one had crossed his humor,
or wounded him in his tender point
his vanity. But greatly as he was ex-
cited, his rage did not reach its maximum
until he came in full view of Ida's window,
through which he saw her in animated
conversation with Lieut.. Wilmer He
stopped, bit his lips, then wiped his eyes
to satisfy himself that he saw clearly
There was no mistake. Winners face ex-
pressed pleasure, and Ida's lips were
wreathed with smiles-luminous smiles,
as Bell had described them, few minutes
before.
So long did he stand gazing upon the
torturing scene, that several persons
strolled within view of it, curious to know
what had so deeply interested the Captain
At length Wilmer retired, and passing
through door fronting towards Fritz, he
found himself facing that officer before the
sudden transition from light to darkness
had ceased to obscure his vision.
81 have been seeking you for sometime,
sir" said the Captain, addressing him in
voice that Kissed like serpent
81 was not aware" said Wilmer, 'that
had neglected any duty; and know of
no other reason why yOU should seek me- :"
81 would thank you, sir," said Fritz,
''to use less emphasis when you address
me. / said, sir, that l have been seeking
you, and let me add that did not expect
to find you dallying with the female fol-
lowers of the camp"
"Capt. Fritz, do you dare apply that
phraze to the lady whom 1 have just
left ?"
"And if do, Lieut.. Wilmer, what then +?
"Dare you question my right to say what
1 please? ?"
"Sir, said Wilmer, in calm tone, but ter
rible from its calmness "Your insolence
to me, have long borne because despise
you but as the slanderer of Miss Holmes,
you become insuiferablo, and for want of
a cOwhide--the only fit instrument Of
punishment for such as you, take this 4"