The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-10-26
CHAPTER NJ.

one Not for a moment did his trust in
her loyalty and truth falter, nor did he
suppose that Major Larron had endeay-
ored to shake the foundation of either;
but he thought that the latter had been
vindicating his past conduct, and he
judged by Mrs. Dene's agitated demeanor
that she had not listened TO HIM I'M
moved. If so, the hope he had treasured
of winning her love at last was further
away than ever; indeed, he was not sure
that he had not earned her actual hate
by coming between her and the lover who
had thus tardily rehabilitated himself IN
her esteem.
He paced outside his tent until the light
of day-break made the stars grow paler
and gradually fade away. Then he lay
down and slept. 1t seemed TO hlm that
he was sleeping still as he sat at early
breakfast and heard the gay chatter OF
the rest.
This was 10 be the day of the Tent Club
meeting. SO they were all anxious Tor
good sport and to start betimes. The four
orntlemen-for Colonel prinsep had
hreakfastcd with them-rode away
abreast. while Mrs Dene and Jane stood
at the entrance of the tent, watching
them as they went.
Il hope-I sincerely hope" said Mrs.
Dene, slowly. that nothing will happen.
There is no danger, is theteE asked
Jane, with Il scared face.
mo, mo- suppose not
They have been out several times be
fore. and nothing happened:''
True" sighed Mrs. Dene.
She was scarcely conscious of her own
words. She was wondering whether in
deed it was too latc-whether there might
not be a hope vet. Following up her
thoughts. she went inside the tent, and
took up looking-glass that lay on the
table underneath a vase of flowers; but
it was small. and a little dimmed She
put it down impatiently, and turned TO
Jane.
Il wish I had what YOU despised the
other day, and called vulgarity, she eX-
claimed.
What was it? forget"
''Prettiness. l wish l were as pretty as
you"
Jane looked at her thoughtfully. and
did not deliver the prompt protest which
perhaps Mrs. Dene expected.
We'll. what do you think Mrs. Dene
asked. with a short laugh.
Il don't think you are pretty. But
then" Jane added. hastily, you know l
never have thought prettinesS a thing to
be desired. 1t is such u blank, unmean-
ing word, which can bc used for almost
anything without misapphcation. No
don't think you are pretty; you are
sweet, and elegant
And dress well. Why don't you call
me a fashion-plate at onceE laughed
Mrs Dono genuinely amused
Jane blushed and laughed, too.
Il am great bungler at description.
Colonel Prinsep had a better word for
You last night: he said you were inter
ing to express
Mrs. Dene walked away, smiling. She
had registered a great resolve, and was
only eager to put it into execution. She
had determined to put away the reserve
which was growing habirual with her,
and strive 10 prove the truth of what they
said she was going to try TO interest her
husband.
She put on her prettest gown not her
costliest onc-somchow the word "cla-
CANT" had rather nettlcd her. She did
not wish to appear u merely intelligent
and graceful exponent of the fashions,
but as a living, breathing woman, who
ed him TO love her.
As she gave parting glance at her mir
rOr, she confessed 10 herself that the case
was not impossible.
Animation had given her momcntary
beauty. She had forgotten all her fears;
but as she crossed the ground from her
dressing tent To the one in which they
usually sat. she saw something which re-
called them with added force
Colonel Prinscp was galloping toward
her over the bare maidan. and some dis
lance behind him came Il proccssion-of
what she could not guess. for such
cloud of dust was raised that it was i'm
possible TO distinguish any object clearly;
but she feared-eyen yet she scarcely
know what She feared. 1t was some
thing too terrible TO put into words.
She went to meet him, staggering be
meath the hot midday sun. and with
hands half outStretched as though she
would wrest the truth from him if needs
be by force.
What is it," she asked. in a hoarso
whisper
There has been an accident-and we
want YOU to get everything ready" no
began, trying to lead her thoughts from
- ""E Ittt SHti I" ual
might stIll be done. But he broke down
under her steadfast. agonized gaze.
d, VINO she screamed rather
, nan S'oAe' men as his hesitation told
her all. she added IN strangely quiet
nuf1led voice You need not say. |
SNOW nave known all along. 1t is
TGTald-it Is my husband.
lie stared at her helplessly. and was
relieved when the sound OF a dress rust
Ing over the dried-up grass struck upon
MS ear. 1t was Jane. who, seeing from
the tent that something unusual had oc-
Cured, FASTENED to join her friend.
w hat Is it, she asked. in her turn.
ana threw her arm round Mrs. Dene's
waist as though to defend her from the
reply.
To her he could give a more circum-
answer,
II Is Captain Deme, who unfortunate
y has been wounded. They are bringing