The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1895-03-13
CHAPTER 1X.-Cawr1Nurp.

GHAPTER lA.--CoNTINUED.
"My dear girl, feared as much, and
that is why have pointed you to the
impossible barrier which lies between
you-at present. You must master this
growing fondness before it masters
you, for love, my child, when once it
gains supremacy rules its victims as
with rod of iron, and laughs to scorn
the rules Of propriety. Think of the
distressing scandal which would agi-
tate the military circles of the whole
land were it to become known that the
beloved daughter of one of the most
distinguished officers of the army had
bestowed her love upon humble pri-
vate soldier in the ranks. The finger
OF scorn would be pointed at you, dear,
and year old father, were he to survive
the shock, would resign his proud posi-
ton and seek to bury himself from the
world in obscurity and retirement.
You are treading dangerously near the
brink of an awful precipice, Alice, and
/ would lead you away to safer
ground"
"Oh, you frighten me!'' the girl said,
with an appealing look, 81 cannot
smother the emotions which God placed
In my SOUL cannot change the nature
lie has given me, and believe it would
be wicked to torture my own peace of
mind even to preserve unbroSen the
lines Of army social distinction. Mrs.
Colby, confess to you that my ewes
have not been blinded to the growing
regard feel for Mr.. Thornton. Ihave
even felt that he might be necessary
to my future happiness. Never by
word or look has he shown me any at
tention that would indicate that he en-
tertained toward me aught but feel
lug of simple friendship, and what YOU
have told me of his-of his-thinkinp q
great deal of me comes as a revelation,
and, confess 1t, q most pleasing one.
But, Mrs. Colby, assure you, on my
honor, that have never once thought
of the military world knowing aught of
any tender feeling which might exist
between myself and private soldier.
did not even intend that you should
know 1t, dearly as l love you, until
Private Brown should disappear from
Life, and Mr.. Thornton, with his mill
tary service but memory of the past,
should step into our social circles. If
this should be brought about, what
then?"
"Ah! that might make a wide diff
ference, dear Now begin to under
stand you, and you have lifted great
load of apprehension from my heart.
There would be no impropriety in
refined, honorable and worthy gentle
man in civil life aspiring to the hand
Sof the daughter of a military officer.
Many do so, and the most happy re-
suits usually follow. Alice, l know
Swhat woman's love is. l have felt its
all-consuming fire in my own soul,
feel 1t yet, for Capt. Colby and myself
Sare just as fond lovers, and oftentimes
Just as foolish ones, as we were when
four love was sealed with marriage.
Now, dear, l will be your friend and
adviser in this matter, if you will so
Spermit. There Qsissing herr is the
lscal of my friendship, and want you
ITO confde in me. There is but one
pathway leading to your future hap
tpiness, and it must not be strayed
from. While Edward Thornton re-
mains as Private Brown you must look
upon him as but soldier in the ranks.
You must avoid him all you can, and,
If it be possible, his discharge from the
service must be brought about.
think it can be. When that consum-
y-mation is reached he may feel at lib
,erty to sue for your hand, and should
he do so you must refer him to your
father. His past life must be investi-
gated, for you must remember, dear,
that we have but his own unsupported
Tory regarding himself. There,
pow what you would say believe
him as much as you do, but your
kther would demand the most con-
fincing proof of his worth before he
you'd permit him to show you any at
tention. Now, you must be patient.
III you love each other as believe you
do and should Mr.. Thornton establish
the fact that he is q man of honor and
true worth as l believe he WILL you
need have no fear, my dear girl, Of the
future, for love will surmount any
N2rdinary obstacle that may rise in its
bath"
Alice threw her arms about her
Iriend's neck, and kiSsed her tondly.
Then her emotions overcame her, and
lIburying her face IN Mrs Colby's bosom
she sobbed like child. Capt. Colby's
Lstep upon the porch aroused her, and
toing out at the back door to avoid
heeting him in her agitated state Of
nind, she sought her home and the
privacy Of her own chamber
CHAPTER x
Days passed, and save OF a distance
own saw nothing Of Alice. Day
er day, when not on duty, he re-
red with his sketch book to his
=