, 1889-05-02
CHAPTER XVI.

The Blankshiro regiment was OF to the
cast SO suddenly that but little leave,
even Of q few hours length, could be
granted to its officers for tho purpose OF
making farewells. Beautiful Jim he'd
been especially favored by the colonel. and
had been granted permission TO leayo
Blankhampton only from 8 o'clock in the
afternoon until officers call tho following
morning.
Naturally enough, all the officers wished
to have tho same privilege, but young
Earle was not among those who pressed
for 1t; so, Us he was anything but favor
lte with his commanding officer, he was
not one Of those who were singled out to
receive it.
In truth. the lad was anything but anx-
tous to go to Earles Hope. II his father
and sister had been in town, it is probable
that no would have begged hard for leave
and have made his farewell to them and
other farewells at the same time But
being at Earles Hope, and alone, Tommy
had no heart for begging favor Of his
noloncl, whom he knew dislikcd him, that
he might so and face Nancy and all the
airs and graces she would give herself on
account of what she knew about him.
No; and besides that, the way out OF tho
difficulty was so easy, leave was so diff
cult to get-in fact, next door to impossi-
ole-and by not asking with much anxiety
for it, he got passed over for those that
did, SO that it was an easy matter to write
homo that he was grieved not to be able
to como and say good-by, but that leave
was an impossible favor to obtain with SO
little service as he had.
Unfortunately for the success OF this
wisO calculation, Beautiful Jim spent his
fGw hours of leave in going to Earles Hope,
arriving there late in the evening and
having but two hours to stay.
And, in answer to the old mans anx-
ious inquiries, he replied that no was
afraid Earle had not the most remote
chance in the world of getting even six
hours leave out of BlankhRmpton. while
to Nancy he confded the fast that her
brother had not got leave because he had.
to his knowledge, not asked for it.
did he tell you soF'' she asked. ''Did
he give you any especial message to my
father?"
Not he, my dearest; he never speaks to
me If he can help it; and you can under
stand that don't exactly seek him out
as my friend" Jim answered. "No; the
the fact was, thought. not being much
OF favorite with the chief. that he might
have good deal of difficulty in getting
that or any other privilege, so when got
mino put in q word for him. Thought
your father would certainly be very anx
ioas to see him. However, the colonel
cut my hint precious short. If Earle
wants leave, Jim,' he said, sharply, he
can at least ask for it, and SO. of course,
hadn't any more to say. though /
guessed from that that tho young beggar
wasn't keen to como home ut all"
Nancy understood her brothers feelings
well enough; she knew that he lacked
courage, after what had happened, TO
como homo and face his gallant old IA
thers honest eyes, she knew that he did
not dare TO face her at all.
1t was, therefore, with pang of dis
may that within ten minutes of saying
good-by to her Jim, Mr.. Earle came to her
ana told her that he had given her maid
and his man orders to be ready TO start
Tor Blankhampton by the earliest train in
inc morning. which passes Marchton"
minutes past O." he ended, briskly.
Nancy stared ut him for q moment,
simply spcechless with surprise. But
Iatherr my dear" she exclaimed, ''it will
knock you up altogether, you are not ft
for it-you"-
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. My only son
Goes not so off to active service every
day, he answered, brusquely, land time
Is Preciousi they leave Blankhampton on
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. ~
90 to beautiful Jim's unspeakable de-
light. and to Tommy's unutterable dis
gust on tho following morning, before
any one OF the Biankshiro regiment had
SO much as had time to think about any,
thlng SO comfortable as luncheon, Mr.. and
Miss Earle arrived at the infantry bar
racks in q hotel carriage.
And Tommy looked as he felt-donel
However, he had no excuse but to go
through with the day rs best ho could
although he wished himself already in
burmah over and over again, and fairly
mated Nancy for tho part which sho
played, giving him limp hand for an in
stant without shake in it, looking right
over his head when she spoke to him,
giving him the edge of her Jaw to kiss if
he wished to do SO. Only once, indeed,
Gld she look at or speak 20 him fair or
straight.
Stuart" she said. sharply, when they
"Gre just back to town again, "the
colonel says you will be free at 3 o'clock
TO come and see us. 1 want to see Won
alone Do you understand"
Gan you arrange itg" he asked, sulkilv.
not daring to refuse.
les; MIR. Beresford is coming at that
timo also, and 1 will take yon into nv
bedroom while say what want to saw
to you 1t will not take me more than
ten minutes"
Very we'll" said he, CURLY.
Miss Earle looked at hfm-and she
E1ew him pretty well, SO was able to read
mat was passing through his mind as
easily as II he had been book
and don't attempt to shirk it," she
snid, sharply, "bccausc I've got something
to say to you, and mean to say it before
you go. Do YOU understand"
TO BE CONTINUED