Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-08-17

ture to atone.
Then came my wedding day, when the
outer world gave me its smiling benson, In
bright sunshine and balmy breezes.
was Rogers now-his very own-and
could have defied the universe, in my eI.
quisite happiness
Six months later my husband entered our
little sitting room, one morning, bearing in
his hand a letter stamped with an official
seal
Be-" he said-my name was Beatrice,
but was too undignifed for its possession,
and so they shortened it to Be-and his
voice trembled q little" it is very soon,
darling TO remind you that you are n SOL
diers wife, but am ordered to report at
once to Fort -, under Colonel Lakes
command. They anticipate trouble with
the Indians God knows how I hate to
leave you, my precious little wife, but there
is no alternative. must start within twen-
ty-four hours" q
Leave me'" I cried, starting TO my
feet and throwing myself sobbingly on his
breast "You shall not leave me! Take
me with you, Roger, or you will break my
heart"
"Child, it would be madness for you to
undertake the hardships Of frontier life. I
cannot consent"
But pleaded so piiifully that at Last, re-
Iuctanty yet gladly, he promised We should
start on tho evening Of the next day.
When had time to think il over, re-
membered he had said the post was under
Colonel Lakes command. / shuddered.
He it was, doubtless, whose influence had
ordered my husband from my side, since he
had not dreamed of my accompanying him.
Oh what further evil might he not work
him, Was it not my duty to tell Roger all,
and warn him against him? Ny courage
failed me-I would wait and watch. At
least, he should only strike at him through
me.
Our journey lasted three weeks. I was
worn and exhausted at its close. The col
onel himself met our ambulance on its or.
rival.
You have brought your wife 2" heard
him say, in amazed tones, in answer to some
remarks Of Rogers, after the first greeting.
"We will do all we can TO make her CON-
Portable, but it is very little. Besides"
He added something, in q voice 80 low
that failed TO catch it.
A moment later caught sight Of his
face as Roger lifted me down in his arms.
almost cried out in my surprise. His hair,
which had been black as ravens wing one
short year ago, was almost white. He looked
fully fifty years of age. The sight caused
my fear and resentment TO vanish, and l
held out my hand.
Wont you welcome me, colonell"I
said.
He bowed without seeming to notice my
outstretched hand murmured some cour-
teous words Of greeting, then turned away,
to give sommand to an orderly standing
near.
saw very little Of him in the weeks that
followed They were weeks full Of excite
ment, for the Indians were constantly mo-
testing Us, and fears were entertained that
they were meditating an attack. Indeed,
they had expected one on the very night Of
our arrival, and this was what the colonel
had confided to my husband.
Still, spite'of all, was glad to be here.
Away from Roger, should have sickened
of suspense. Now l was by his side, to
meet and know the worst.
why are not you and Lake better
friends ?" he said to me one day. ~ can-
not understand it."
Nor could explain, now that l had kept
silence so long; besides, my distrust was
wearing away. Although distant and re-
served, quietly repulsing all my advances, /
felt that Colonel Lake would work Roger
no active wrong.
Until one morning my sophistries fed.
The Indians had made sortie. No one
knew their numbers or their strength. II
was necessary to send out an advance guard
from our little garrison. though each man
who went well knew that he might never re-
turn.
At eleven o'clock, my husband, to my
amazement, entered my room in full uni
form.
"Good-by, little Bel" he said Pray
for my safe return, dsar. l am ordered to
command the advance
You shall not 60 p" cried, wildly. 1T
is his revenge! Fool that have been TO
have trusted him."
my darling, calm yourself. What do
you meanp"
"Wait here moment! I exclaimed.
Leaving him transhIed with astonishment
I few across to the ooloneps room.
He was buckling on his sword as en-
tered.
"You have done dis thing" began (;
"you have seen how happy I am, and you
must convert it into agony. ResOind your
ordeH-leave me my husband! / throw
myself at your fsst, 1t your mercy"
"Iwould have spared him If could He
is the only officer at the post capable OF Just
this attack. I accompany hin, Mrs. Lee.
The danger is divided, and equal for both. )"
"Go, if must bs, 70 your death an
swersd, cruelty. "You have Nc right y
drag my husband with you. Hs sAo3 not
go!"
But words were useless. though fsneisd,
as he turned away. I sfw tear glimmerina