Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1893-02-23
For the Ellsworth American.
Captain Hilton.


"fal-er than all fancy fathom-, fal-cr than all
songs have sung"
One morning, toward spring. Capt Hill
ton sits at his mothers breakfast table,
listening to her rehearsal of the program
for the grand sleigh-ride and ball 10 be
given by the club, of which he is mem
Der, op the the following Thursday, and
thinking what a bother it is that business
will prevent him joining them until even
Ing, and only half consoled by the thought
that Mrs. Atherton has promised to drive
home with him
Half absently he takes up the morning
paper, carelessly glancing over the head
lines, aud the next moment he is on his
feet.
Bad news, mother" he says, in answ er
to her look Of inquiry. The Indians are
again on the war-path, AMI heaven only
knows what it all may come TO. must
hurry down to the office, and may not
get up to lunch, and waiting for no expos
tulations in regard to the course his moth
the rendezvous, only pausing at the tele-
graph office long enough TO wire a request
TO Washington that he might be at once
relieved from duty there and ordered to
join his regiment in the field. Rapidly he
makes preparations for turning over the
rendezvous and property to his successor,
and before night has received his orders.
and is informed that he will be relieved on
Thursday
Late that evening he enters the opera
house, making his way to the box where
Mrs. Atherton is the centre of attraction,
and receiving a charming glance from her
long lashed, dropping eyes. They make
room for him beside her, and presently,
when at the close of the next act all
around them are talking, she asks:
why so grave and preoccupied, Capt.
Hilton?"
He smiles down at her little sadly
II was thinking how soon must leave
all this and return to the wilds"
Leave the city and why is that?'
The Indians have broken out again and
| have received my orders to go to the
front"
Received orders!r breaks in Mr.. Wes-
ton who has caught the last words "He
did not wait for that, but telegraphed for
them. No denials, my dear fellow, one of
your men told me all about it."
Then there is q chorus of exclamatlons
which makes the captain flush like a girl
but amid them all the lady beside him
speaks only four words, in low, caress-
ing tone.
My brave soldier boy.'
For one brief, unobserved instant his
hand touches hers in the shadow, then he
arouses himself to answer the many in
quries, and make light of the dangers
that await him.
Then as you expect to be out Of e
office on Thursday you will be at liberty to
join US in the afternoon, will you not?"
asks Mrs. Weston.
For one instant the temptation stands
out before him in all its strength, then he
thrusts it aside.
II am afraid" he begins with half a
sigh, when he feels light touch upon his
arm and hears pleading whisper, Don't
heart upon having you there"
Poor Roger Hilton. Duty and con-
science point an unrelenting finger toward
the three P. NJ. train. Inclination bids him
stay, and what is conscience against the
wiles of fascinating woman, with the
voice of temptress and the smile OF a
seraph.
But perhaps can manage it, he goes
on after moments pause. II should be
disappointed to miss that event, though l
really ought to push on as rapidly as pos
sible'
III you wish you can drive down with US.
remain for supper and q dance or two and
take the 1890 train as it passes through
L at l0.45. 1t is only three or four
miles from the tavern where the ball is to
take place." says Mr.. Weston.
"The very thing. How good of you to
think Of it," smiles his wife. 1--WE really
must haye you at one more OF our social
gatherings, Capt. Hilton, and that OF
Thursday is to be the grand elimination
Of the season."
So Capt. Hilton yields, whispering to
Mrs. Atherton as he takes her down to the
carriage, that be does SO only on condi.
tion that he may drive her down instead
of home as had been arranged, and re.
ceives an answering smile that sends him
home thrilling with pleasure.
Thursday comes, and with 1t Capt. Hill.