The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1891-02-12

t MI. Ddua, Neu IerIy
E0 seemed off his feed" for
< &,O day or two. The hunt
VIZ had been pronounced a |
big success, despite the fact of Perry's
defection-he had not even Joined them
at luncheon-and it was agreed that 1t
should be repeated the first bright day
after muster. That ceremony came of
on Monday with due pomp and formality
and much rigidity Of inspection on the
part of the post commander. 1t was
watched with interest by the ladies, and
Mrs. Beiknap even proposed that when
the barracks and kitchens were being
visited they should go along. Dana had
been her devotee ever since the day OF
the hunt, and announced his willingness
TO carry her suggestion to the colonel,
but Belknap declined. She wanted few
words with Perry, and did not know
how to effect her purpose. When he
stopped and spoke to her after parade on
Saturday evening and would have made
peace, she thought to complete her ap-
parent conquest by show Of womanly
displeasure at his conduct, and an as
surance that, thanks to Mr.. Dana, the
day had been delightful and his failure
to accompany her had been of no conse-
quence at all. The utterly unexpected
way in which he took it was simply a
'stunner" to the little lady.
So far from being piqued and jealous
and huffy, as she expected, Mr.. Perry
justified the oft expressed opinion of her
sisterhood to the effect that "men were
simply past all comprehension" by
Frightening up instantly and expressing
such relief at her information that for a
moment she was too dazed to speak. By
that time he had pleasantly said good
night and vanished; nor had he been
near her since, except to bow and look
pleased when she walked by with Dana.
She never thought of him as an actor
before, but this, said Mrs. Bdknap to
herself, looks like consummate acting.
Had she known Of or even suspected the
existence Of woman who had interposed
and cast her into the shade the explana-
ton would have occurred to her at once;
but that there was goddess in the shape
of Gladys Maitland within days ride
| Of Rossiter she never dreamed for an in
slant. Believing that no other woman
could have unseated her, Mrs. Rslknap
simply could not account for such utter,
such unutterable, complacency on the
part of her lately favored admirer in his
virtual dismissal. All Sunday and Mon.
day she looked for signs of sulking OF
surrender, but looked In vain.
Perry seemed unusually grave and
silent, was Parke's report of the situa
ton; but whatever comfort she might
havederived from that knowledge was ut
terly destroyed by the way he frightened
up and looked pleased whenever they
chanced to meet. Monday evening h
stopped to speak with her on the walk
holding out his hand and fairly beamint
upon her; she icily received these demon
strations, but failed to chill them orhim
Then she essayed to make him suffer tn
pangs Of the Tilted by clinging to Dana
arm and smiling up in Dana's face, ant
then she suddenly started: "Oh, Mr.
Dana! How could have been SO thought
less-and this is your wounded side!
Dana protested that her slight weigh
was soothing balm, not additional pain
and Perry promptly asseverated that
{ he were Dana he would beg her not
I quit his arm, and her eyes looked scor
at him as she said, "How can you knoy
anything about it, Mr.. Perry? You'v
never been in action or got scratch
while Mr.. Dana"-and now the dar
: eyes spoke volumes as they looked u
into those of her escort-"Mr. Dana
b. one of the heroes of the fighting days c
1 the regiment" Even that failed to crus
= him. while it had the effect of maxim
4 Dana feel mawkish and absurd. PERI
:. frankly responded that he only wol
dered the women ever could find time
show any civility whatever to fellow
l. Ike him, when there were 50 many WI
"had records" She was completely at
loss to fathom him, and when tatte
. came on Monday night, and they WEI
y an discussing the project OF run wit
The hounds for the coming morrow
4 May day celebration on new principles
Mrs. Belknap resolved upon change
{ tactics.
g Dana was officer Of the guard and ov'
II at the guard house, but nearly all Il
o other officers were chatting about Il
= veranda and the gate of the colonel
quarters. Thither had Capt. Belkp:
'e escorted his pretty wife. and she wa
IN as usual. the center of an interest.
group. Perry came strolling along aft
!, reporting the result of tattoo roll call
the adjutant, and Capt. Stryker call
to him and asked some question abe
to the men on stable guard. The orders
III the colonel with regard to watching
:. movements of the men after the mig
y roll call were being closely observed, q
when the trumpets sounded ''taps," a f
,y moments later, several OF the troop co
naanders walked away together, and t
left smaller party. It was just at {
vi iuncture that Mrs. Belknap's sweet vo
es Was heard addressing the commando
IL officer:
or "Oh, colonel! Ever since Thursda
have been telling Capt Belknap abb
OF those lovely albums Of yours; and he
IA 90 anxious to see them. Could he b
. look ct them tonight"
- "Why. certainly" exclaimed the &
mel. all heartineas and pleasure. Go