The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-08-14
SOLD FOR A SILK RAG.

1t was New Years eve at one of the
gay military stations of the Central
provinces India The ball. given by
the officers of the One Hundred and
Twenty-fourth was in full swing The
large dining room of the mess bungalow
had been turned ont and decorated as a
ballroom.
Supper was laid in a tent hard by, and
now, at ll:45, the guests were assembled
round the we'll supplied tables
The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth
always did things well, but tonight they
surpassed themselves, for the general of
the division was present. He was ia
vorite with them all, and they delighted
to do him honor He very rarely gave
them the benefit of his company in holi-
day time. but this was special occasion
necessity had obliged him to make a
tour Of inspection at this season
Isn't it. rather rash of us choosing
this night of all others for keeping late
hoursT whispered a pretty girl to her
partner, as she drew off her long white
gloves preparatory to tasting the savory
mock turtle.
at won't matter for once in a way
he replied: You need not get up till you
please"
Indeed! And do you suppose for a
moment that could let our regiment
parade on New Years morning without
being present? You must have a poor
opinion of my esprit de corpsl OF course
shall get up. Six o'clock isn't it?'
"A quarter past"
The handsome young fellow by her
side looked down into her eyes, and
whispered something which brought the
color to her cheeks. His manner, too
was suggestive of happy appropriation,
and a stranger would have guessed at
the existence of stronger bond between
the two than friendship.
They were not engaged, though they
were both desperately in love with each
other.
Alasi the course of true love did not
run smooth in their case. A stern father
barred the road to bliss and caused poor
Aimee many heartaches and tears.
But Captain Hamilton was an auda-
cious lover. Such trif1e as the opposi-
ton of u stern parent troubled his mind
but little. Truth to say, it rather added
to the zest of his courtship. Even at
this moment the eye of the unsympa-
thetic colonel was upon the young
couple with strong disapproval.
The murmur of voices round the sup
per table increased. Under the cover of
the noise Aimee said:
81 wish you wouldn't talk like that:
you know it is of no use."
al know nothing of the Sort" he re-
piled quickly Did you ever meet a
soldier who was frightened off the field
in love or war? Your father will not be
able to subdue me with stare"
He is looking so annoyed"
My little darling you need not be so
alarmed. Eat good supper and drink
your champagne, then you will be bet
ter prepared to listen to all have to say
tonight-and | have great deal to say.
he concluded impressively
She gave him a quick. apprehensive
glance.
''Oh, George" she protested.
You heard the good news this morn
ing-that have got my step? Here, try
some of this pate de foie gras aspic: if
looks uncommonly good"
He helped her as he spoke He was a
most self possessed man. this Captain
Hamilton-quite capable of making q
good supper and love at the same time,
''Yes, was told. and am very glad.
congratulate you. 1t will compensate
little for your having left the regiment
to go into the staff corps. wonder why
father hates the staff corps so?"
Because it robs him of his most prom.
ising youngsters. How bitterly opposed
he was to my going: and all because ht
thought that in the far far distance
might make a good adjutant to the regi-
ment. have been adjutant of the Fif
tieth N. |. for the last two years. and
now have got my step.
Yes; suppose that in a pecuniary
wayyou have done well;' and she sighed
He lowered his voice and said impres
sively
Aimee. ! can afford 10 keep wifi
now"
But the girl looked distressed at hi
words. and the suspicion of tea
dimmed her eye.
''Oh, George, my father will neve
give his consent. You know that b
never will.
He shall give his consent: intend Z
make him. See if ! don't. you poo
frightened little darlingl Do you thin
stern fathers are never conquered? Onl
you must have patience. Here. hav
some more champagne. and some of thi
trifie. There's nothing like good mea
to build up ones courage Helloi wha
are they doing now? Oh. l2 o'clock.
it7 Silence for the e. o and til
general"
Glasses were filed, speeches wer
made and the gong tolled out the hour
Then each turned to his neighbor an
good wishes were exchanged. The babe
of voices recommended with the usher
ing in of the new year
Very shortly afterward Captain Ham
iiton was plotting his companion froI