Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1893-07-13
THE CAPTAINS BIT.

From the age Of five she had been quar-
tered with her father with the regi-
ment.
Our darling has grown into beau
ty,' observed the adjutaut cheerily, as
he rode past the groop of men toward
the object of interest.
"A letter for you, he sad in more
official tones, dismounting beside the
GIRL. Tine colonel would be glad OF an
answer tomorrow.
The ad utant rode reluctantly away
as Phyllis broke the seal of the mis-
sive.
After reading the contents the girl 8
dark eyes were humid. A qulver Of
disappointment parted her lips.
Only that she said beneath her
breath. Only py services. And /
Thought
What she thought was never uttered.
her father came to the bungalow.
Capt. Lonsdale is waiting inside TO
speak with you. I've given him my
word, dearie, although it would he like
drawing an eyetooth to part with my
little gill.'
As her father stepped outside Phyl
dashed an angry glance at the captain.
How dare you? l forbade you to
appeal to my father
Faint heart never won fair lady yet.
dare anything for the chance of win
ming you. l will have you. Fhyl. Why
do you hate me the captain continued
querulously. y loye you. am will
ing to make you my wife, although
you re not
"A lady, she interposcd quietly.
A violin was lying on the table. The
girl took it up with the bow lingering
it absently. Her mother had been of
gentle birth. The insult his words
implied stung keenly.
You are so beautiful, he cried, NOV
ing nearer.
The refrain went on jerklly from the
violin. There was suggestion OF scorn
in her action.
'P1yl, have you no pity: Are you as
! hard as Your face is tender Is there
any one else?' The captain laid his
hand on the arm moylng the bow. is
there, Phyl?
You are hurting me. Captain Ions
dale
What soft little arm it is, he said,
drawing the loose blue sleeve away
from her wrist. See, the impress 0!
nv cruel fingers. Poor little arm
lie bent h,s head suddenly, pressing
his lip, to the delicate flesh. A shadow
fell across them asa figure stood IN the
open doorway. The girls voice relieved
the silence by a commonplace.
Good evening, Colonel
Capt Lonsdae made hurried de-
parture, saluting his superior officer
who remained in the doorway.
May come in ?
Yes
Don't put that down. can talk to
you while you play.
The colonel leaned against tie wall
watching Phyl as she rested her chm
again on the violin.
Il can't, she said with a hystcrlcal
little laugh. l think-l think you
make NE nervous.
Never mind, he said gravely. taking
the instrument from her hands, 1 haye
heard your music. Who taught you !?
My father. am very proud 'i
dad
The colonel smiled. The smile made
his stern, ugly face, aim Dat handsome
He was wilower with one child.
People say his marriage had been a
failure.
You had nv letter., he asked, as
they moved out under the veranda.
Yes
Are you willlng?'
A moments hesitancy, in which the
colonel scanned the glrl's face eagerly
Yes, will go with you, colonel
Thank you. Little Jack will be SO
glad. There is no woman in the can
tonment he takes to but YOU
The colonel was going to the hills tol
the hot months.
4 understand. 1t will be my first
situation
what do you mean :?
You have asked me to so to Slma
as companion or nurse of your child
You have forgotten to mention ont
tbing-the salary
The colonel bit his lip. Was she
Joking? Phyl was looking fxedly al
the flowers planted near the mango