The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1890-12-13
l have found it., have the right to ask,
what arc it's contentsT
..I ,lo<l:,a 90 t,lI x-o,,

IL will not discuss that question now.
The other is far graver. will not tell
you. Kate. except this: there is no word
there that an engaged girl should not
write
'.Of that mean to satisfy myself, or
rather
You will not open it, Kate. No!
Put that letter down! You have never
known me to prevaricatc in the faintest
degree, and you have no excuse for
doubling. will furnish a copy of that
for Mr.. Van Antwerp at any time; but
you cannot see it.
You still persist in your wicked and
unnatural intimacy with that man, even
after all that l have told you. Now for
tho last time hear me; have striven not
sully your thoughts by such a revelation;
but, since nothing else will check you,
tell it l must, and what | tell you my
husband told me in sacred confidence,
though soon enough it will he scandal
to the whole garrison.
And when darkness settled down ON
Fort Warrener that sta1lit April evening
and the first warm breeze from the south
came signing about tho easements, and
one by one the lights appeared along Of
ficers' row, there was no light in Nellie
Travers' window. The little note lay in
ashes on the hearth, and she, with burn
ing, shame stricken cheeks. with black,
scorching. gnawing pain at her heart,
was hiding her face in her pillow.
And yet it was q jolly evening after
all-that is, for some hours and for some
people. AS Mrs. Rayner and her sister
were so soon to go, probably by the NOR
rows train If their section could be Sc
cured, the garrison had decided to have
an informal dance as suitable farewell.
Their announcement Of impending de-
parture had come SO suddenly and un-
expectedly that there was no time to
prepare anything elaborate, such as
german with favors, etc.; but good mu-
sic and an extemporized supper could be
had without trouble. Tho colonel's wife
and most of the cavalry ladies, on con-
sultation, had decided that it was the
very thing to do, and the young officers
took hold with will: they were always
ready for dance.
Now that Mrs. Rayner was really GO
ing. the quarrel should be ignored, and
the ladies would all be as pleasant to her
as though nothing had happened, pro-
vided, of course, she dropped her absurd
airs Of injured womanhood and behaved
with courtesy. The colonel had had
brief talk with his better half before
starting for the train, and suggested that
it was very probable that Mrs. Rayner
had seen the folly of her ways by that
time-the captain certainly had been
behaving as though he regretted the
estrangement-and if encouraged by a
MISUNDERSTANDING" sort of man.
ner she would be glad to reciprocate.
He felt far less anxiety herein than he
did in leaving the post to the command
of Capt. Buxton. So scrupulously had
he been courteous to that intractable
veteran that Buxton had no doubt in his
own mind that the colonel looked upon
him rs the model officer of the regiment
1t was sinSularly unfortunate that he
should have to be left in command, but
his one or two seniors among the cap
tains were away on long leave, and there
was 40 help for it. The colonel, seriously
disquieted, had a few words of earnest
talk with him before leaving the post.
him SO particularly not TO
interfere with any of the established de-
tails and customs that Buxton got very
much annoyed, and showed it.
eff your evidence were not imperative
ly necessary before this court declare I
believe I'd leave you behind" said the
colonel to his adjutart. There is no |
telling what mischief Capt. Buxton
won't do if left to himself"
1t must have been near midnight. and
the hop was going along beautifully, and !
Capt. Rayner, who was officer of the dav,
was just cscorting his wife into supper. |
and Nellie, although lookinga triAe tired
and pale, was chatting brightly with q
knot OF young officers, when a corporal
Of the guard came to the door: The
officers compliments, and
no desires to sec the officer of the day at
once"
There was general laugh. "Isnt that
Buxton all over: The colonel would
never think of sending for all officer in
the dead of night. except for fire or
alarm; but old Bux. begins putting on
rriils the moment he gets q chance.
Thank God, lin not on guard tonight.
said MIR. Royce.
"What can he want with your asked
irs. Rayner, p"ttishly. 1.-THE idea of
me captain ordering another around like
hist"
"Tll be back in five minutes" said
sayner, rs he picked up his sword and
disappeared.
But ten minutes-fifteen-passed, and
he came not Mrs Royner orau, ,yorr;ol /