Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1892-09-12

fringed with heavy lashes. The mus
tache, sweeping from his upper lip. is of
lighter brown than his hair, but
equally thick. heavy and curling. Other
wise his face is smoothly shaved, and is
one which impresses those who look
upon it, even carelessly. as strong and
resolute. He still wears the double
breasted coat. with shoulder knots and
fourragere, just as he had come of
parade, though he has exchanged hei-
met for forage cap, which latter head
gear at this moment is being handled III
one hand, while the fingers of the other
beat rapid tattoo upon the visor. Com
rades of Rolfe would tell you THIS is a.
sign that he is nervous: yet to look at
him there, smiling upon the group. quite
as though relnarhing what a pretty pic
ture they make. no one else would be
apt to think OF such a thing.
Ready in a moment. Rolfe." shouts
the major from an inner room. lyon
ready. Berengaria?'
81 am always ready, Richard, as you
well know, IS Mrs. Berrien's placid re-
spouse. Il think | never kept you wait
ing SO much as a moment.
ssPromptest woman in the army or
out of it, booms the major from his.
sanctum, his jovial voice resounding
through the rooms Of the bright garri
son home Never knew anything like
it. Miss Guthrie. Why, do you know
even when wasn't half proposing she
never let me finish the sentence!
'Twasn't at all what | was going to ask
her-that day. at least Meant to
eventually. Of course. if | ever could
muster up courage. but this time | had
only found grit enough to ask for her
picture. and was engaged in less than
ten seconds.
Winnie Berrien rTlshes from the par
Tor into the paternal den, voluble with
protestations against such scandalous
stories at mammals expense: but Mrs.
Berrien, SLOWLY tanning herself, remains
calmly seated as though i1npervious to
these damaging shots, at which every
body else is laughing merrily.
Possibly You don t believe me. again
booms the rlaJor, his jolly red face
,aglow. as he is dragged forth from the
den, still struggling with the sleeve
links Of his cuff. Winifred, my child.
unhard me. You'll never bring your
old fathers gray hairs in sorrow to the
grave by sucl Unwomanly precipitancy,
unless il S Il civilian with ten thousand
year: viii you. dearest? Miss Guthrie,
never expect to be rich man. |
hadn t as nl;sny dollars when | fell in
love with l4iss De Lancy as | had but
tons. and we Oily wore single breasted
coats in those days. and was the Junior
captain pledge you my word | never
II I,.,vE h1,f
self Twas the woman did it. | was
going away for Il week and | said. You
can give me enc thing. if you will. |
only meant 90 beg for that picture. and,
by Jove! she slipped her hand into mine.
| was shaking all over. 'l-b-beg par
don. | stammered, i was only going to
beg for your p-p-p- My promise?
said Berengaria. sweetly. looking up
into my eyes. 'You have it, Richard.
Prompt: Why. she just jumped at me.
Splendid arrangement, though. Miss
Guthrie. She furnished the quarters
and al the money. and | the vivacity
and beauty of the household, until Win
ME came: she contributes little toward
it now. Bat we,rea model couple. aren't
we. Berelg;tsi;J?:" And the major bends
with playful tenderness, the fun spar
king IL his eyes meanwhile. and kisses
his handsome helpmeet's rosy cheek.
I'VE have few crosses, certainly re-
plies Mrs. Berfien. whose own name is
anything but Berengaria, that being, as
she is Frequently called upon to explain,
some Of the majors historical nonsense
I'VE have few crosses, and those of |
course | bear. But now she continues.
with ,pIlf.ii decision of manner. .sif Won |
are partially restored to sanity we will |
go. or keep dinner longer waiting. Miss
Guthrie. do they allow lunatics at large /
in the streets OF ST. Louis? Major Ber-
rien spoke Of getting months leave this
winter and going thither."
''Oh. send him by all means. and he |
shall be treated at our own asylum
Father wouisl rejoice in him-as ! do |
Mrs Berrien.
And shall | get che colonel to detail I
Rolfe here to conduct me thither and |
turn me over to the asylum authorities?'
queries the major, with a knowing cock
of the head Rolfe hates city life as
general thing. but he would accept that
duty. fancy.
Captain Rolfe will be very welcome.
Indeed. ! only wish you might bring the
whole regiment. major. Just think
what Il good time the girls would have
this winter if that were only possible"
..Berengaria says bursts in the major
again, that if | only show you proper
on this visit you'll be sure to
send Us invitations to bring the whole
family and spend six weeks at least
Father you outrageous fbber!'
~ H., 4