Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-10-04
LOVE ON A WALL.

AAN AAAAAC btANA sAAA q IOhGl appearance. The frost was on the ground, and the one skeleton tree in the corner extended its leafiess branches like gaunt arms in various directions.
 A wooden post was stuck in the cen ter of the gravel square, its purpose vague; at few yards distant stood man practicing at broadsword exercise. Sergeant Major Boyne, pausing from his exertlons, addressed some one sitting on the wall to his right.
 Are you cold. Mollie:"
 No, thanks; it is warming to watch you"
 The sergeant continued his evolutions. "One-two-three- right. One -two-three-four; leftr'
 The girl clapped her hands. The ser geant repeated the performance.
 How jolly you look, cousin Jack~ Mollie cried as the cuts and thrusts whis- tied through the air.
 Do r. the sergeant queried, solemnly regarding the post in the middle of the ground.
 You know that you look nice" she said severely. Don't pretend"
 He returned the weapon to its sheath and looked at the girl critically.
 You know that you look nice, Cousin Mollie," he said, with mock severity. Don't pretend. You are the prettiest girl in Linbridge. All the men at the barracks say that of you"
 Do they!' she cried with gasp. II am so glad"
 Glad? Silly girl! What is their opin- ion worth:''
 As much as yours, suppose" she answered.
 "Oh, of course"
 She leaned against the wall and re fastened buckle. She bit her lip and tapped the red bricks with her heels. Sergeant Travers came off worSted among the men the other night, I heard. '" The odds were all against the one, as usual" she said. Your barrack jokes are seldom funny"
 He laughed. Why do you care for him, Mollie:"
 Il don't"
 All right. Mollic. he said in a tone that indicated all wrong"
 Its getting late" she remarked. They are setting the tea tray"
 Shall help you down:"
 Her toes were on a level with his chest
  tinized the height from the ground.
 No. thank you.'
 Oh, all right he responded, with the same dubious infection.
 She heard his spurs click over the frosty ground. She watched the patch uf scarlet merge into the gloom and re appear i'll the lighted room of the house. Then the tears trickled down her cold cheek and froze there.
 A boy was spinning top in the next garden. She leaned toward him.
 Little boy,' she whispered, give ne push.
 The little boy, mounting an inverted bucket, ''pushed" anu heard a untitled thud on the other side of the wall
 Every girl in the little garrison town who possessed an invitation to the non commissioned officers ball was prepar- ing for the evenings festivity.
 Mollie Henderson pirouetted round the small limit of her chamber, gauzy be ing in white. The circumscribed mirror had been tilted up and tilted down, only quarter of her form being visioned at one time
 The edae of her skirt and white satin slippers we're undergoing reflection when her youngest brother shouted through the keyhole:
 '.You'ndO. Mollie! You'll beat Georgina Webb hollow"
 Oh, Bobby. darling, doyou think so:' she cried, opening the door.
 Positive. Here are two boxes. Guess ones from the sergeant
 Each box containeda spray of flowers She held the rcd roses admiringly.
 Dear Mollie, please wear my flowers, - was pcncilcd on a sheet of paper bearing the name of Sergeant Travers. The lilies of tine valley were accompanied by scrap of paper From Jack"
 Which shall wear. Bobby" she ask ed eXcitedly, laying the roses and the lilies together against her bodice.
 Both" the boy replied promptly.
 Oh. l cant. l think-I think the red looks better on the white. The lilies are q tritle insipid. and yet-Oh, must wear the roses; the red looks lovelyI"
 She turned from her brothers inspec- tion. with the roses clustered at her lreast.
 stunning! Now stick the lilies in your hair"
 But they would look awful, Bobby. " Whats the odds? Cousin Jack might feel hipped if you don't stick 'em some where"
 Don't be so silly! The men have nothing to do with the flowers"
 She gathered her gloves and fan to- gcther and hastened ont of Bobby's sight.
 Well. soliloquized the juvenile man, II guess I'll keep my money in my pock- ct before Tm soft enough to waste it on the girls.
 Did you receive the hlies:" Sergeant Major Boyne asked, while he and his partner stood aside from the dancers for moment.
 "Yes; thank you very much"
 "You are not wearing themg"
 These roses arrived at the same time. IT thought their color was such a pret ty contrast for my gown"
 Ut is very pretty"
 Are you annoyed. Cousin JackY'
 Not at all. Shall we finish thi valse:"
 Wees"
 Later on Travers claimed Mollie for dance.
 How good of you to wear my flow CTS" he murmured.
 Many of the men lounging about tf room cnvied the little sergeant as passed with his partner. Her face WI flushed. Her dark eyes shOne brilliantl
 Il am tired" Mollie said suddenl They went to the end of the room, whe portion was screened of. He took h fan. waiting it for her while they take
 II wish were rich enough to mar f, you, Mollie.' T ! Suppose the colonel refused his co t sent.'' T "Well, we could run away and g