The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1890-11-22

sister and the captain of the burden OF
her support. Could she make up hel
mind to do it? And Mr.. Van Antwerp
offered the opportunity.
So far from breaking with her, as she
half expected-so far from being even
angry and reproachful on receiving the
letter she had written telling him all
about her meetings with Mr.. Hayne-he
had written again and again, reproach-
ing himself for his doubts and fears,
begging her forgiveness for having writ
ten and telegraphed to Kate, humbling
himself before her in the most abject
way, and imploring her to reconsider her
determination and to Let him write to
Capt. and Mrs Rayner to return to their
eastern home at once, that the marriage
might take place forthwith and he could
bear her away to Europe in May. Letter
after letter came, eager, imploring, full
of tenderest love and devotion, full of
the saddest apprehension, never re-
preaching, never doubling, never COM
handing or restraining. The man had
found the way to touch q woman of her
generous nature: he had left all to her;
he was at her mercy, and she knew well
that he loved her fervently and that
to lose her would well nigh break his
heart. Could she say the word and be
free? Surely, as this mans wife there
would be no serfdom; and, yet, could she
wed man for whom she felt no spark
of love?
They went down to the creek one fine
morning early in April. There had been
sudden thaw of the SHOWS up the
gorges of the Rockies, and the stream
had overleaped its banks, spread over
the low lands and flooded some broad
depressions in the prairie. Then, capri
cious as woman's moods, the wind
whistled around from the north one
night and bound the lakelets in q band
of ice. The skating was gorgeous, and
all the pretty ankles on the post were re-
Joicing in the opportunity before the set
ting of another sun. Coming homeward
at luncheon time Mrs. Rayner, Mrs. Bux-
ton, Miss Travers and one or two others,
escorted by squad of bachelors, strolled
somewhat slowly along Prairie avenue
towards the gate. 1t SO happened that
the married ladies were foremost in the
little party, when who should meet
them but Mr.. Hayne, coming from the
east gate! Mrs. Rayner and Mrs. Bux-
ton, though passing him almost elbow to
elbow, looked straight ahead or other
wise avoided his eye. He raised his for
age cap in general acknowledgment of
the presence of ladies with the officers.
but glanced coldly from one to the other
until his blue eyes lighted ON Miss Tray
ers.
No woman in that group could fail to
note the leap of sunshine and gladness
to his face, the instant flush that rose to
his cheek. Miss Travers herself saw it
quickly, rs did the maiden walking Just
behind her, and her heart bounded at
the sight. She bowed as their eyes met.
spoke his name in low tone, and strove
to hide her face from Mr.. Blake, who
turned completely around and stole
sudden glance at her. She could no
more account for than she could control
It, but her face was burning. Mrs. Ray
ner. too, looked around and stared at
her, but this she met firmly, her dark
Eyes never quailing before the angry
glare in her sisters. Blake was begin.
aing to like Hayne and to dislike Mrs.
Rayner, and he always did like mischief.
"You owe me a grudge, Miss Travers,
I you did but know it," he said, so that
III could hear.
"You, Mr.. Blake! How can that be.
,ossible?"
II spoiled serenade for you a few
lights ago. I was officer of the day,
and caught sight OF man gazing up at
'our window after midnight. l felt
sure he was going to sing; so, like a
good fellow, ran over to play an &C.
and then-would YOU be-
ieve 1.-THE wouldn't sing, after ALL
She was white now. Her eyes were
gazing almost imploringly at him.
warned him to hold his
'eace, and he broke off short.
WHO was it? Oh, do tell us. Mr..
3lake!" were the explanations, Mrs.
tayner being most impetuous in her de-
hands. Again Blake caught the appeal
n Miss Travers' eyes.
"That's what want to know" he re.
ponded. mendaciously. "When woke
Up next morning. the whole thing W as a
lrean, and l couldn't fix the fellow at
H."
There was chorus of disappointment
nd indignation. The idea of spelling
UGH gem of sensation! But Blake
ook it all complacently until he got
'ome. Then it began to worry him.
Was it possible that she knew he was
here?
That night there was disturbance in
he garrison. Just after 10 O'Clock, and
While the sentries were calling off the
our, woman's shrieks and cries were
card over behind the ouortars of Co,,- |