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

was to talk wisely to the juniors on the
subject of European campaigns and to
criticise the moves of generals whose
very names and centuries were entang-
ling snares. His own subalterns were,
unfortunately for him, at the house when
Haync called, and when he, as was his
wont, began to expound on current mill
tary topics. "a little learning" even he
had not, and the dangerous thing that
that would have been was supplanted by
something quite as bad, if not worse. He
was trapped and thrown by the quiet
hammered infantry subaltern, and it was
all Messrs. Freeman and Royce could do
TO restrain their impulse to rush after
Hayne and embrace him. Buxton was
cordially detested by his "subs," and
well knew they would tell the story of
his defeat, SO he made virtue of neces-
sity and came out with his own version.
Theirs was far more ludicrous, and,
while it made Mr.. Hayne famous, he
gained another enemy. The til could
not fail to notice how soon after that all
social recognition ceased between their
bulky captain and the pale, slender sub
aitern; and Mrs. Buxton and Mrs. Ray
ner became suddenly infatuated with
each other, while their lords were seldom,
caen except together.
All this time, however, bliss Travers
was making friends throughout tho gar
risOn. No one ever presumed to discuss
the Hayne affair in her presence, because
Of her relationship to the Rayners, and
yet Mrs. Waldron had told several peo-
pie how delightfully."- she and Mr.. Hayne
had spent an afternoon together. Did
not Mrs. Rayner declare that Mrs. Wal
dron was a woman who told every-
thing she knew, or words to that effect?
1t is safe to say that the garrison was
greatly interested in the story How
strange it was that he should have had
tete-a.tete with the sister of his bitterest
foe! When did they meet? Had they
met since? Would they meet again? All
these were questions eagerly discussed,
yetnever asked of the parties themselves,
MIR. Haynes reputation for snubbing
people standing him in excellent stead,
and Miss Travers' quiet dignity and re-
serve of manner being too much for
those who would have given good deal
to gain her confidence. But there was
Mrs. Rayner.
She, at least, with all her high and
mighty ways, was no unapproachable
creature when it came to finding out
what she thought OF other peoples con-
duct. So half a dozen, at least, had
more or less confidentially asked if she
knew OF Mr.. Hayne and Miss Travers'
meeting. Indeed she did; and she had
given Nellie her opinion of her conduct
very decidedly. 1t was Capt. Rayner
himself who interposed, she said, and for
babe her upbraiding Nellie any further.
Nellie being either in an adjoining room
or up in her own on several occasions
when these queries were propounded to
her sister, it goes without saying that |
that estimable woman, after the manner |
OF her sex, had elevated her voice in re-
spending, so that there was no POSSIBLE
ity of the wicked girls failing to get the
full benefit of the scourging she de-
served. Rayner had indeed positively
forbidden her further rebuking Nellie:
but the man does not live who can pre-
vent one woman's furnishing another SO
long as she can get within earshot, and
Miss Iravers was paying dearly for her
Independence.
1t cannot be estimated just how great
disappointment her visit to the from
tier was proving to that young lady, SIM
ply because she kept her own counsel.
There were women in the garrison who
longed to take her to their hearts and
homes, she was so fresh and pure and
sweet and winning, they said; but how
could they when her sister would recog-
nize them only by the coolest possible
nod! Nellie was not happy. that was
certain, though she made no complaint.
and though the young officers who were
daily her devotees declared she was
bright and attractive as she could be.
There were still frequent dances and par
ties IN the garrison; but March was nearly
spent, and the weather had been so vile
and clustering that they could not move
beyond the limits of the post. April
might bring change for the better in
the weather. but Miss Travers wondered
how 1t could better her position.
IL Is hard for woman of spirit to be
materially dependent on any one, and
Miss Trarers was virtually dependent ON
her brother-in-law. The little share of
her fathers hard savings was spent on
her education. Once free from school
she was bound to another apprenticeship,
and sister Kate, though indulgent, fond
and proud, lost no opportunity of telling
her how much she owed to Capt. Raw, |.
ner. 1t got to be a fearful weight before
The first summer was well over. 1t was
,he main secret of her acceptance of Mr..
Van Antwerp. And now, until she
would consent to name the day that
hould bind her for life to him, she had
q hL,ranca Int