The Dickinson press., 1890-01-25

came off according to plan, and the three
heroines of the previous run rode forth
with but slight change Of escort Capt.
Stryker felt constrained to remain in
garrison; he had quiet investigation to
make, and was observed to be in close
conversation with DR.. Quin as the gay
party assembled in front of Col. Brai-
nard's quarters. Mr.. Perry appeared in
his captains stead, and very politely re-
quested the honor of being escort to Mrs.
Lawrence, who accepted, yet looked a
trif1e embarrassed as she did so. Indeed,
not until she had stolen an appealing
glance at her husband and heard his
cordial "By all means, dear; Perry can
guide you far better than I, and perhaps
you'll win another mask" did she thank
fully say "Ycs." Dana rode with Mrs.
Belknap, as before, and it was the colo
mel himself who suggested to Stryker
that Mr.. Perry should accompany Mrs.
Lawrence this day, and that he, the
colonel, should ride with Mrs. Sprague.
Perry had eagerly lent himself to the
proposition: he figured that now he could
have an uninterrupted chat with Mrs.
Lawrence and hear what she had to tell
about Dunraven. Just before starting
he sought Capt Lawrence, laughingly
told him the terms of their agreement,
and begged that he would relax his
marital injunction and permit her to give
him such details as she happened to be
in possession of. "Indeed, Capt. Law
renee" he said, ~ ask from no idle curl
osity. have been to tho ranch, as you
now know, and have good reason for
asking" To his surprise, the captain
replied substantially that, while he had
regretted Mrs. Lawrence's impulsivc rev.
elations, he had thought it all over and
decided that the best way out was that
Perry should be told the whole story and
be able to SEQ how very little there was
to it. He had decided, therefore, to tell
him himself; "and this evening, Perry,
if you will dine with us informally, we'll
talk it over afterwards. Meantime,
prefer Mrs. Lawrences name should not
be mentioned in connection with any
story there may be afloat: so oblige me
by saying nothing to ron the subject"
This was one matter for reflection and
something of a surprise; but there was
still another and even greater one. That
very morning, just before guard mount,
and while he was dressing, Perry shout
cd, Come in" responsive to knock at
his sitting room door, and in came Capt.
Stryker. Tho object of his early call
was explained in very few words.
"Perry," said he, II have been over to
see Sergt. Gwynne this morning, and the
doctor walked back from the hospital
with me and told me of your threatened
disagreement of last night. If it had not
been for that sudden call to the stables l
fancy there might have been quarrel.
Now, think you know I'm ono Of the
last men to let an officer of my regiment
especially my troop-bo placed in
false position, and-you can afford to
leave this matter in my hands. can you
not:"
Certainly, Capt. Stryker."
Then want you to say nothing to
Quin on the subject, and to treat him,
as far as possible. as though nothing had
happened. His relations with the lady's
father and family were, and are, such
that she ought to treat him with respect
and Difference, and to accept his advice
even though it be given in style that
Carlyle, his favorito author, is mainly
responsible for
There was absolutely nothing in--in
that. Well, captain" stammcrcd poor
Ned, II don't know how to say what
want to say" He wanted to say there