The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1895-05-01

CHAPTER XL.-CoNTINUED.
Turning her clear eyes full upon his
face, in low, musical tones, she replied
''Mr. Thornton, you are man OF
wise judgment, and one who can fully |
appreciate the proprieties of life.
Please allow your better judgment to
rule and do not be offended at what
am goiIS to say. | have, as you sur
missed, purposely avoided meeting you
as once did. If you will try to fully
understand me will frankly explain
my position. To our little world here
you are known but as private soldier
in the ranks, on the same footing with
your comrades"
'Yes, but you know"
Pardon me moment. know what
others do not. Knowing you but as
private soldier, what would be the ver-
dict of the official circles were it to be-
come a matter Of gossip that the
daughter of the commanding officer
was in the habit of meeting you on
terms of social equality? 1t would be
looked upon almost as crime by those
who regard the social barrier between
official circles and the ranks as i'm
pregnable. Now, my friend, with all
candor will say to you that hold MIR.
Edward Thornton in the highest es-
TEEN and feel honored with his friend
ship. Ibelieve him to be my equal in
everything that goes to make up true
manhood and womanhood, and entire
ly worthy of my highest regard. But
as long as he is unfortunately COM
peeled to move In sphere of life be-
meath that in which am placed must
not allow my regard for the gentleman
to overstep the line drawn by the hand
of propriety and myself descend to his
temporary level. think I have cor
rectly interpreted your nature, my
good friend, and believe you would
suffer any personal disappointment
cheerfully rather than in the least
degree compromise myself or draw upon
me the rebuke of my friends. Do you
not think it best that we should see
less Of each other?"
"Miss Sanford" he replied, II fully
appreciate the stand you have taken,
and your action increases my regard
for you. 1t has occurred to me at
times that by evincing friendship for
one far beneath you in the social scale
you might be chided by your friends
for disregarding the rules Of military
etiquette. would suffer as keenly as
yourself were you to be in the least
compromised by your association with
me. Am l to understand, then, that
the meetings which have afforded me
so much pleasure are to be discon-
tinued?"
"Not altogether. l trust we may
meet at times and that we will remain
good friends. The day will come, Mr..
Thornton, perhaps sooner than we ex-
pect, when you will cast aside your
soldier character and reenter your
proper sphere in life, and when it does
come hope to yet be numbered among
your friends. / will at times be pleased
to see your sketches, and, believe me,
though propriety demands a less dis
play of friendship, yet hold you in
the highest esteem and will do all
consistently can to tighten the load
you bear. But we are nearing papa
Will you sketch tomorrow? think
will take a ride down the Mesa trail.
81 will, Miss Sanford, at my old rock
seat. Before we part l must expires:
my thanks and gratitude to you fol
this conversation. My heart will bt
lighter, for, though l may but seldom
see you, will feel that you are my
friend. God bless you"
"Thank you, Mr.. Thornton. Why
how pleasantly papa is smiling. Tha
means a good-natured scolding for me.
"Ahal you little truant," the colone
cried. "Your tastes are very eccentric
must say, Miss Sunshine. You rul
away from your old ogre Of father Il
accept the attentions of a young officer
then discard him for private soldie
of better looks and, damme, I must say
more soldierly bearing. thought yo1
would never get to me, you rode s.
slowly with your new escort"
80, papa, my poor pony was so tire
I could not push him This Is Privat
Brown, the young artist of whom toll
you"
"Private Brown, ehP Ohio! see
now. This Is the young man who wa
recently brought to my attentio
through the proceedings Of court
martial, and l can understand VIII
Vandever cut and run when he SAY
him approaching. He feared the man
temper might again lose step, and tn
dose be repeated. Eh, Sunshine?"
10, no, papa. Mr.. Vandever did nc
know the young man was approachin
us. He chose to return to the fort b
another route, that is ALL"
"That's all, eh? Well, you don
know whether he saw him or no
am inclined to think he did. 81
now for home. This Unsuitable, unrei
Gonable, tyrannical appetite Of mir