The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-04-21

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.~=->~-r - Election in the
mirror.
He knotted his
b. tie fully,
while knitting his brows, and frown-
ing as if his reflections were any
thing but pleasant
"Hang it allr' he thought, ''it's
time L was brought to my senses.
Evil tongues work good sometimes.
I've carried this liking for the wife of
brother officer far enough. The
freedom we enjoy here, has proved a
snare, in my case And yet,-con-
found their evil thoughts,-in spite of
her fondness for gaiety, she's devoted
to her husband and child, and I'd cut
off my hand sooner than syllable q
word of my feelings to her. I'll get
out of this tomorrow, and send in my
resignation. I'll take up with that
business offer in San Francisco. 1
don't belong here. 1 wish l had made
up my mind month ago."
He found no difficulty in getting
leave of absence for few days. He
recalled the overheard gossip, sensi-
lively, as he went about his prepare
tiOns. Lieutenant Palmer had gone
on leave of absence to visit his aged
father in New Hampshire Lyons,
always on intimate visiting terms at
Mrs. Palmer's apartments, went there
more than ever, during Palmer's alb
sence. Flossie was much attached to
him. She was rather weakly, and
was the object of her mothers tender
est solicitude. Every day, Lyons was
to be seen, in the handsomest turnout
he afforded himself, with Mrs. Palmer
and Flossie, out for an airing. OF
course. comment was to be expected,
at the fort, but Lyons was quite un-
prepared for the malicious remarks
that met his ear accidentally. He
knew he was no favorite, that the
officers called him foppish, because he
had the means to indulge tastes and
fancies that they were forced to sup
press, and that he was considered
hirt among the ladies, but all this was
trifing, compared with hearing his
name linked with that of his friends
wife, in dishonorable fashion.
He decided to slip away without
good bye, without even sending a
note Too many notes had passed the
last. few weeks. He knew now that
every movement was watched, that
prying servants had become suspicious
ana the CONSCIOUSNESS OF MS own SEN
timents, which must be carefully re-
pressed, made HIM more keenly sensi-
tive. He would write a frank, open
letter from New York, and offer his
excuses
But his conscientiously laid scheme
was to be frustrated. He took his
seat in the car, at the last moment
When the train glided out of the dim
depot, into the broad sunlight, there
across the aisle, three seats before
him, sat Mrs. Palmer and Flossie.
Had the Fates conspired to head
him off? Mrs. Palmer was bending
over Flossie, anxious1y- The next
moment her eyes met his, with a
bright glad look of recognition
He crossed to her side, in a moment
"You on the train?" she said, as
she crowded up the boxes and wraps
ON the seat opposite her, to make
room for him. Il sent you a note. and
you over. The doctor or
dered Flossie away this very day, and
1 made no delay She has been droop-
ing dreadfully, with the heat. have
to take the train from New York to
Equity, N. j. L don't want to alarm
her father, and spoil his vacation if 1
can avoid it."
81 am going to New York also. in