The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1891-04-11
Copyright 1897. by A. N. Kellogg Newspaper 60.


Lasceiles! Could fate have thrown
him once more in contact with the
charming heroine Of his adventure at
st. Louis? Why not? She said she
lived in Kentucky then what more
probable than that. this mansion were
her home, and his host the husband of
the courtly old lady, who had nursed
Charlie Fulton so tenderly? With these
reflections, he descended the staircase,
and following the sound Of voices, en-
tered the dining~room.
Yes there she was, flashing in the
superb beauty that had set his heart
afiaIne SO many months agO--she and
another girl about her own age arm liz
arm, while the Old man stood slightly
frowning at the unavoidable delay.
Mary Lascelles recognized him in an
instant. Without the slightest sign Of
embarrassment, she stepped forward
with outstretched hand VERY tiny and
welcome hiDl.
:Why, Mr. Bcsant,' she said, sweetly.
''lhis is indeed an unexpected pleas
ure."
Then turning to the old gentleman
she added, with de1nure assurance: Il
had the qualification Of making Mr..
Besant's acquaintance during my stay
in ST Louis last fall, grand father
Mr. Lasceiles did not speak, but q,
scarcely perceptibla movement of his
eyebrows expressed his surprise.
"And now continued the charming
girl to Frank, 'let me introduce you to
n VI.
know rs; all now, SO let us get to sup
pea
Conversation at the table flowed
freely but Bcsant could not but observe
that when brief allusion was made to
the fall Of Fort Donelson-not by Frank,
you may be sllre--her proud nostrlls
seemed to dilatc and q decidedly danger
GUS expression glittered iii Miss Las
celies' splendid dark eyes. Would that
glance ever soften: lie thought, ii
Charlie Fulton whispered in those ex-
quisite ears a tale of sweet devotion?
There must be some 1ove~like sOftness
in 81 nature like hers, frank unused,
notH outstanding that quiveri1,g lip and
proud tisdain.
But Franks nerves were not OF steel
nor his youthful vigor unco1lquerable by
fatigue and suffering, so as soon as the
repast was ended he begged to be per-
united to retire, as his journey must be
resumed at early dawn.
Utterly yvornout, he sank on his bed,
without removing more OF his clothes
than his borrowed coat, and tell into a
profound slurnber.
For hours he slept,
Was 1t dream that Mary Iascelles,
trimmed with snowy miniver, Was
standing over him?
He started fitfully, and woke.
No, it was no dream In reality she
stood beside him, holding q lamp in her
hand which threw it's rays across the
spacious room.
You must co. she said, speaking in
anxious haste. go at once, without
one word of explanation. Your uniform
and arms are here. Dress as quickly as
you can, for moments are precious. You
will find me in the garden below await
ing you"
And before he could speak one word
of reply, the fair vision had glided from
the room.
Had these been less stirring times, he
might have thought the whole scene
the phantasy of over-tired brain, bat
soldiers life had rendered him quick
to cast off the lethargy of sleep, and in
an instant he had his faculties about
him.
81 am here'' came the silvery tones Of
woman's voice, as he stepped from the
broad porch to the garden walk.
'''rhis is sudden alarm, Miss Las
celles,'' he said, as he joined her under
the gloomy shadow Of a big magnolia.
ssBut none the less necessitous," she
replied; TASK me not how l know it,
Frank Besant, but already your enc
mics and my friends-alas, the cruel
bitterness of it-are closing around YOU"
'sBut, surely, when he remembers the
humane errand I came on your grand
fathers protection would be afforded
me-"
i eyes, and he thinks it would be all
sufficient, but I know better"
ssYou are very, very good to me" the
young man sighed, softly.
ssAh you have found that out. 1t is
hard for a. woman to keep a secret like
mine"
Her voice trembled as she spoke, while
Frank felt dull sense Of shame and
dread creep over him. Surely there
could be but one meaning to her words.
He knew not what to reply.
SCI shall never be able to do enough to
show my gratitude" he said, lamely.
:sNeyer!" was the passionate reply.
ssWho knows?'' the young soldier ven
tured ssThe fortunes of war are vari-
Gus, and it may be my turn to help you
when next we meet"
.'Help me! You help me! God keep
me from your help: You have helped
me now, Frank Besant, to forget the
4 holy cause that should absorb my very
i. soul, to barter my sense of duty to my
fatherland for an unwomanly interest
ia one who comes with sword and fire
IL to waste my country. But harkp she
cried, suddenly Selling his hand ln