San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-01-22


dreamed of the tears she shed over re-
marks that, wilfully or witlessly, were
repeated to her. He strove earnestly to
soothe and comfort her. He redoubled
his devoted and thoughtful attentions.
Women at the fort simply raved over
the lover ike ways of Capt. Lane to
his wife, and never tired of pointing
out to their respective lords and masters
how tender and watchful he was. What
aringir@ herl Where did he get such
exquisite yiolets-such lovely carna-
:ionsg Ibid you ever sec anything
sweeter than that loclet he gave her
last week? 1t was an anniversary of
some kind. She blushed when asked
her, but wouldn't Il what. He's al
ways finding excuses for giving her
something" etc. And finally some of
his brother Benedicks had come to him
with gloomy faces to say that if he
didn't ''let up on this sort OF thing" they
would have to quit the regiment and the
service; life was getting to be all one in
vidious comparison between his lowell
ness rs husband and their own indi-
yidual shortcomings in that capacity.
Several months had been spent abroad
10y Capt. and Mrs. Lane after quiet
wedding which united them, and then
joining the regiment at the fort on its
return from the Arizona tour, they
speedily settled in their army home
For while the delights Of fitting up the
81 l,n hna,,+se,,l
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 of possible criticisms. But
it was not long before the captain saw
that the cloud lie 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 trimming tears, saying,
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 different
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 contide their
side of the story and pour forth their
grievances into the ears of next door
neighbors, with whom, IS likely as not,
they became in 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 it would be expecting too
much of most women that they should
simply listen and not tell. There were
admirable and truthful wives and moth
ers in 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. ''absOlutelv 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
Wisely Lane made no attempt to con
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 a long
practice march during the summer, he
was Il tride ut 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 letter from
her brother which she silently handed
him. and then sat watching his face rs
he conDed its three pages.
The captain finally laid it down and
looked across the table. kind light in
his rr8v ewes "YCu want to do some
thing for her. don't YOU, Mabel he
smilingly asked.
Indeed. Fred. | wish could. She