The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-05-28

ing Kate Lester in to supper and sitting
beside her. Beautiful. Well, he knew
not which to admire most, the prettincss
Of her face or the piquancy of her man.
ner
Miss Ruth sat on the other side of him
at the table, and took perhaps little
more than her share of the soldiers at
tcntion-at least so thought Miss Les
ter, If one could judge from her looks.
The conversation was general and of
course about the war. for in those
stirring days no two or three could
gather together without drifting into
the thrilling channels of that prolific
subject. This person and that known
to the party personally or by hearsay
were mentioned and their actions dis
cussed, Frank Besant, of course, COM
ing in for more than his share Of the
general interest, when Miss Ruth pro-
pounded question which seemed to
cause a little flnttcr among the par
sonage party.
did you. when you were with frank
Besant. hear any thing Of young man
named James Lawson?" she asked her
military neighbor. There was hull in
the conversation. SO the question was
painfully distinct.
Before he could reply Mr.. Lubin Fer
~ stretched his long neck forward, and
speaking across the table began:
MA says she has heard that James
Lawson is"
Il was not asking what your ma said.
brother Ferry" Miss Ruth snapped.
severely. Now, perhaps. you'll allow
Captain Henderson to answer my ques-
ton"
Really, marm." Mark replied. with
smile at the lady's petulancc, Il don't
think have the pleasure Of the gentle
mans acquaintance. Is he one of Lieu
tenant Hesant's brother ofiieerso"
Il suppose he is--hc enlisted at the
same time and in the same regiment. |
have only heard once from him since he
left"-how defiantly she looked at her
brother-''and then he said he was u
full-private, which suppose is step
on the ladder of rank"
You surely don't mean tall, ungain-
" fellow with light hair and eyes that
look two ways at once-ah, yes. | think
Besant did say he came from the same
place he did-well. if that is the man
you allude to, Miss Brentwood. did
see him the very night before | left the
camp. He was n full private still. Miss
Ruth-so full. that corporals' guard
was hustling him off to the caboose."
4 general laugh greeted this unhappy
"reminiscences, and from that moment
Captain Henderson sank many degrees
below zero in Miss Brentwood's estima.
ton.
Notwithstanding this little contre
temp, they spent most delightful even
| ing. to which Mark Hendcrson's mine
often wandered in the lone hours b,
the campfire. with Kate Testers sweet
face as the browning ccntcr-piece of Tho
whole delightful reflection.
After supper he enjoyed charming
talk with the two young ladies, which
was only interrupted at nine o'clock
when Rev. Lubin came to bid then
goodnight, as ma didn't approve of hi.
keeping late hours.
When he was gone Harry Burrow;
brought forth some excellent cigars ant
Mr.. Brentwood and the younger mer
by the gracious consent of the ladies
were soon in the full enjoyment of tn,
fragrant weed.
II don't suppose brother Ferry
smokes" Harry Burrows explained.
I'm sure he doesn't" Miss Rutl
snapped. Ills ma wouldn't let him"
by and by they drifted into more Sc
rious conversation, and Mrs. Besan
explained plan she had matured Of es
tablishing woman's working club TO
the preparation Of necessaries and com
forts for the soldiers, appealing Il
Mark Henderson for suggestions, which
she accepted with an air of deferenc,
that was very gratifying to the youn.
man, who had II fattering opinion q
his own judgment, and liked, as we al
do. to be considered an authority.
Then all too soon they went home
and Flossie forthwith began to cate
chise her brother, who seemed in NJ
wise reluctant to crafty her curiosity
well, Mark, what do you think O
my pretty widow"
''She is charming"
And Grace Brentwood
Pretty as peach. But Miss Leste
is the sweetest, loveliest girl ever me
in all my life"
oh"
1t was all his sister said, but the littl'
monosyllable expressed a volume.
CHAPTER VIII.