Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-01-13

keen glance went straight over Talerie's
golden head to the young man behind her;
and the swift mental question, Who IS
thatF'' was not put with absolute inditFer-
ence, nor was it altogether an agreeable
surprise to find Valerie in another fellows
company.
But Valerie was glad to see him-her in
nccent heart had nothing to hide, and her
shining e-es and smiling lips showed frank
ly her pleasure.
81 could not get away before to-day"
said Beauregard, springing to the ground,
and clasping the girls outstretched hand
in his, but heard from Mrs. Fanshawe
yesterday that the drenching had done
you no harm, and now l see for myself"
81 am not made of plaster. Captain Beau
regard" said the girl, roguishly, recalling
his speech about the orderly; then turning
toward Louis-"Mr Charteris-Captain
Beauregardr'
Beauregard held out his hand, and the
action and the manner of it won Louis in
spite of himself.
II am glad" he said, ''to have an oppor-
tunity of thanking you, Captain Beaure-
gard, for your kindness to Valerie"
Thanks, Mr.. Charteris," returned the
other, laughing, ''for squaring the circle"
He hitched Princes bride over the gate
post as he spoke, and Valerie went and
patted the animals glossy neck caressingiy
Louis came also to admire. Prince was
q noble specimen of his race.
And better friend than most men
would be, " said his master, giving the horse
a parting caress as he turned to follow Va
leric toward the house.
Mr. Herbert received him with old-fash-
toned and somewhat stiff courtesy. Uncle
VIII was not n genial man, but somehow
Max Beauregard succeeded, in a little
while, in making him unbend more than
he had ever done before to stranger; and
Valerie saw that the captain had that rare
power of sympathy which can take an in
terest in what interests Others-not merely
the courteous hypocrisy of good-breeding,
but n sympathy genuine, if temporary.
The instinct of a kindred nature taught
Valerie to perceive this distinction; GER
tainly not worldly experience.
Captain Baauregard knew nothing OF
botany Cthi5 he frankly owned, and also
he cared nothing; but Mr. Herbert certain
ly believed that he cared good deal, and
he scored many more good marks in Va
leries mental tablets by his courteous at
tentiOn to the Old refuses disquisitions,
and the questions he asked, az though he
were an inquirer in the TO him) really I'M
congenial world OF Horticulture.
But presently the approaching war came
on the tGpjs, and Louis asked If the --th
was likely to be ordered for service.
81 i'll r,,f'1 @,SI ,trir,
Beauregard. I'VE expect to be among the
first But | hope also thatw we shall be able
to have the ball-it is the end of next week
so dare say we shall manage it. | hope
you will honor us, Mr. Charteris, if you
will forgive an informal invitation"
II shall be delghtedr' replied Louis, his
fair face flushing with pleasure; land as
for formalities, they are not much in my
line
Nor in mine, faith!"
Exit botany, and enter frivOlity, and the
ball, and the various people invited held
the ground for some minutes. Then tea
came III, and shortly after Captain Beau
regard took his leave.
Louis Charters was an old friend, the
playmate of Valerie's childhood-so much
he knew: brother and sister? Yes, sister
Valerie; but Louis manner to the girl was
not that of brother. Captain Beauregard
frowned and bit his lip as he role onward.
1t ought not to be any concern of his what
HGcuba was to Louis, or Louis to Hecuba
but it was The girl had fairly fascinat-
ed him; her very innocence and childlike
inSOucjdncc had a charm for the man of
the world, used to see even girls in their
teens fully aware of any advantages they
al -, ,l,1 t, tNl-n of
themselves and their worldly interests.
Perhaps when Valerie was launched in
to that perilOus sea of society" she would,
like country-bred Julia. stand the test "as
snow stands fire." and play the city lady
to the height"
But be the future what it might, Cap
tain Max Beauregard was certainly allow
ing the fairy maiden he had rescued from
the storm to occupy n large share of his
thoughts.
Meantime Louis had been trying to OBJ
tain promises of dances from Valerie.
But l can't pledge you more than two,
Louis" she said; "one must not dance so
much with an old friend"
"Why not? Well, let me have the first
waltz after supper"
'Oh! promised that to Captain Beau
regard"
Louis uttered an impatient exclamation.
"Only that" he asked.
"No; three others"
"Fourl Aud you only give me two" ex-
claimed the young man, hotiy.
Valerie flushed up. She was by no means
of a meek temper
'If you choose to be absurd, Louis" she
said, turning away, "you can be"
Nrharaot I hpr oil
once more. Bat he resolved Captain Beau
regard should know Valerie was engaged
To be continued