Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-02-11

For while the delights of fitting up the
quarters with all the beautiful rugs,
curtains, pictures books and bric-a- brac
they had brought from the east kept Mrs.
Lane SO busily occupied that she had no
time to think >f possible criticisms. But
it was not long before the captain saw
that the cloud he dreaded was settling
on her sweet and winsome face. He did
not need to ask what had been SAID to
her; he could conjecture what that was
full well.
Taking her to his strong heart, he had
kissed away the Drumming tears, saving.
Something has been said to worry and
annoy you, dear one. do not ask you
to tell me; but remember what have
always said: in nine cases out of ten, re.
marks about people sound very diff erent-
ly when repeated by wonderland by a
good many men, too-than when origi-
nally spoken"
Long years of garrison life had taught
him that in the almost endless little tiffs
and Jealousies among the women, and
the occasional misunderstanding among
the men, people rushed to confde their
grievances into the ears of next door
neighbors, with whom, as likely rs not,
they became il turn embroiled within
the year, while the quarrel with the
original object of their wrath had been
long since forgotten. His own policy
had been to give every man his ear, but
none his voice, when personal matters
were under discussion But he knew
well that 1t would be expecting too
much of most women that obey should
simply listen and not tell There were
admirable and truthful wives and moth
ers III the little coterie, whose friendship
he could have coveted for his wife: but
one OF the odd features of frontier life is
that the impulsive rush for the intimate
friendship of the newly arrived army
bride Is generally made by those who
are most apt to betray her confidence
when won, and to give her unfavorable
impressions, absolutely without having
said one word against them" of the very
ones whose stability of character makes
them most desirable as friends and
neighbors.
Lane noted that the women he most
liked and respected were the ones whom
she was making visible efforts to regard
as he did. Perhaps had he painted them
in less glowing Colors before she had
seen for herself, very different result
might have been reached; for if man
really wants his wife to like another
woman whom she has not yet met the
less he says OF her projections the better.
WJSalV Ino1a OF
troll her opinions but as his duties Kept
him away from the house much of the
day, and as there was every prospect Of
the entire battalion being sent on long
practice march during the summer, he
was trife at a loss what companion
ship to provide for her during the inevi-
table separation. 1t was with genuine
rejoicing, therefore, that he read one
day soon after their arrival Il letter from
her brother which she silently handed
him, and then sat watching his face as
he conDed its three pages.
The captain finally laid it down and
looked across the table, a kind light in
his gray eyes. You want to do some
thing for her, don't you, Mabel?' he
smilingly asked
Indeed, Fred, l wish l could. She
has had such hard fortune and she is
such true girl. 1t is cruel to think of
her now without a home and, as Regy
says, without Il chance of employment.
know the Woodrows would have beer
so glad to take her abroad with them as
companion, but it's too late for that"
''Regy doesn't say why she left Mrs.
I'M J /
SAID Lane. 1t was there | first met
her at dinner party one evenng-when
wanted to be with YOU"
And yet were abundantly consoled,
as have heard you say more than once.
sir. Oh, she has told me all about if
too. Indeed, if weren't disposed to be
mortally jealous Of her wit and wisdom
do you know what I'd do?"
How can | divine, your ladyship?r
asks Lane, his eyes twinkling
I'D write and bid her come here n
us, and Ia marry her to the incest fell
low in the Eleventh forthwith. Oh. Won
shouldn't see anything of her, sir! I'd
take good care of that. But" with sud
den change Of tone and manner.
wouldn't it be lovely, Fred"
Wouldn't what be lovely?' this pro
found dissembler asks, though he knows
exactly what she is thinking
''Why, to have her come and live with
us and marry in the regiment"
''She isn't very pretty" said the cap
tain doubtfully, but with the tact of a
Talleyrand. The boys might not ad-
mire her when Mrs. Lane was along
side"
Now. Fredr exclaims Mistress Ma
bel, provoked and pleased at once
You know her eyes are glorious"
Hunt Passably-when animated"
when isn't she animated? She al
ways enters into everything so heartily.
She's so full of fun and life Why, she
would make the ideal army wife, Fred
That girl can do anything"
"Then why condemn her to marrying
in the army, Mabel"
But this question madam declines to
co,oac c,iclylv, oror,yd Tho