Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1895-02-21

effort and move to the east, for Con-
MES face was fortune "She will fall
in love with and marry some penniless
officer If she stays here" said the ex-
perienced woman of the world, and
was aghast when Morgan calmly an
swered that he hoped she would, if the
man was of the right sort, as only in
the army had they found friends in the
days of their sorest need. As for him.
self, he looked forward to the time
when he could be laid away by Carries
side. All he prayed for was that
his children might not be left destitute.
| Already, indeed, two young gentlemen
at the post, subalterns of Rhett's bat
talon, were noticed casting sleeps
| eyes at Comics lovely face, and were
beginning to be assiduous callers at
the little house in town, but Constance
seemed to have no thought for any man
but father. Aunt Lot went east again
with distinct sense of defeat, but her
husband took matters less to heart.
The doctor had assured them that the
long journey was hardly possible, and
that Morgan would do fairly well until
winter again set in, and then: should
anything happen, Connie" he said,
you must come to us"
But Comics reply was politely in
different. Something did happen late
that autumn. and Connie did not go.
f,l t,rrt, WIN
Letters came only at rare intervals
and by roundabout and devious ways
from the command in ,he Big Horn,
but early in September there was news
of interest. Sergt Maj. Hunter, COW
cred with service, chevrons and scars,
took his honorable discharge and final
papers and went into department
headquarters as clerk. Tintop and
Gray had talked the probabilities over
and were fully prepared. To the
wrath of Bragg, the grumbling of
few who disapproved Of giving first
prize to a two-year-old trooper, and yet
who would equally have criticised any
appointment Gray could have made,
but to the outspoken satisfaction OF
nine-tenths of the regiment, Sergt.
Schramm was named sergeant major,
the senior non-commissioned officer of
the Eleventh. Modestly he accepted,
for already his colonel and other Off
GERS had hidden him look even higher.
"You are on the road toa commission"
said Perry Thornton, when the young
German came to tell him of the offered
sergeant majorship and to beg the
Herr lieutenant's kind advice. Il only
wish the commission might come in
time for you to stand up with me. Con-
graduate me, Rhetz; the wedding is to
be in December"
One chilly October afternoon Connie
had driven Mrs. Woods into town after
brief visit to the fort. Daddy was
ailing again since the frost set in, and |
beginning to house himself still more.
She had left her friend at Mrs. Whal-
ing's, and, turning Rand" about, was
spinning up the main street towards
their home at the westward skirt OF |
town, when, striding along in front OF
her, slender, erect, in the most immac-
ulate of yellow stripes and chevrons
and natty blue uniform, she caught
sight of well-known form, in an in
slant had reined up at the curb, and
her glad voice, eager and joyous, rang
with the old name.
''Schramml Why, when-how did
you get here?' she cried, throwing
down the reins and holding forth her
slender hand. The street was full Of
people, and who that saw could fail to
note the sudden flash of delight in the
face of the soldier addressed? Instant
ly he whirled about, sprang to the
curb, and was on the point of clasping
the proffered hand, when as suddenly
he seemed to remember, Strengthened
up instantly, raised the forage-cap
from his curly blond head, and an
swered, respect, homage, admiration in
his fine blue eyes:
"Only this morning, gnadige Frau
lein. The adjutant and were sent in
by way Of Green river. The regiment
Is marching home"
"Oh, father will be so glad! Have you
time-can you run up to see him now?"
"Assuredly, Miss Morgan. was on
my way there"
That's simply lovely. Come, let me
1rive you now. You can't imagine
Ehat pleasure Rand has given us all.n