Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1896-07-02
but Their. was more sweet in Taunton.

And so 1t happened that the long
notes of the Santiago" were bearing
the two onward with other dancers,
snatches of singing, of laughter and Of
conversation sounding with the music,
until there broke in suddenly, drowning
it all, clang, roar, below of thun-
der. The music hesitated for an in
slant; for an instant there was cessa-
ton of movement and EXPLANATIONS of
fear; then the bright figures swayed on
and the chatter was resumed, and the
damp, cool wind of summer shower
blew over them, while the rain beat
down on the roof and ground.
But Taunton's eyes had lost, some
how, the look of perfect content; the
girls head was farther away from his
shoulder, and the swing had gone from
their step. They stopped by an open
window to let the fresh wind blow over
them. There came sudden gust
which waited in great dark butterfly
that, in the rays of artificial light,
seemed dead black, the omen of impend-
ing harm. 1t fluttered for an instant,
dazzled and wind-beaten; fluttered and
circled around, then, spreading it's
shadow wings, it floated steadily, re-
lentlessly upon Taunton and the girl
beside him. She watched it with parted
lips and frightened eyes as it came
toward her out of the lightning
strealled night, and neither moved until
it sank and settled on her light hair.
Then she threw up both arms and
brushed it off with heavy blow. The
creature of the night flew out into the
storm again with dropping wing.
An orderly crossed the hop-room to
the adjutant, who was speaking to the
band-master, but none of the listening
ears could hear the soldiers message.
"Well, play it if you can find the
music" the adjutant said, coolly, then
wheeled about and followed the order
ly.
He was back again in ten minutes,
speaking hurriedly to Taunton. Taun-
ton answered, bowed his head, and,
turning away, crossed the room to
where Capt. Rossini stood with his
daughter.
Good evening, captain" he said, and
waiting for no reply, put his hand on
Lucia's arm and drew her aside with an
cir of proprietorship that left the father
aghast.
Lucia, listen, dear. I've hardly time
for even the good-by. Don't look so
frightened; it amounts to nothing.
Simply some trouble over at the agency
that makes it necessary for me to go up
there instantly with detachment. You
know there has been expectation Of
trouble for some time. My dear child,
you must not look like that; how silly
of a soldiers daughter! I tell you I'll
be back in few days. fyou are going
to faint, come out in the air; the rain
has stopped"
She took his arm and let him drag
her out upon the steps. The music came
to them from within and smothered the
sound of their voices.
Marion, you aren't going to go
away? How can you, how can you?"
she said, in a whisper.
"How can I? Why, because I'm
ordered. But I've an order for you, in
turn"
"Well?" She bent her fan and worked
her fingers nervously, still leaning hard
on his arm.
"You must go with me instantly and
tell your father"
81 won't" she answered, with set
teeth.
why, but Lucia, you will if say So"
81 won't"
"Then I'll do it alone"
II can't stop you, but if you do I shall
hate you-as much as / have loved you"
But why? He must be told some
time. I'm in fearful hurry. As
matter of fact, I've no right to be here
now; if the c. o. catches me, I'll get
the dickens. Come along and tell him."
II said wouldn't, and won't"
''What makes you so obstinate? It's
not like you"
Its like me sometimes. It's like me
when I'm afraid"
Afraid of what?'
''Of papa. wouldn't mind so dread
fully if you were going to be here, but
1 think it's mean and cowardly of you
to leave me to bear the brunt of it all
alone for days and days. 1t might kill
me. I'm worried to death now"
A tear dropped on Taunton's hand
and melted his firmness in moment.
He began to plead. "But, Lucia, he
must know in few weeks at most. I've
let you persuade me too long already.
We ought to have been brave and open
in the first place, or else have gone up
and made our confession Immediately.
What the deuce ever made me give in to
your silly fears, can't understand"
you were glad enough to get me
most anyway"
II suppose that's it. But let me tell
your father now. 1t would be so much
better in case-anything were to hap
pen to me-"
"Oh, Marion, there's no danger, is
there?''
Probably not. But you can't always
be sure. You see, it would be better
to have it over with if 1 should get
hurt"
"You won't, I'm sure you won't
Don't tell him yet, Marion, please don't,
and oh, don't get killed! Do you think
| the black huffarHv meapf apyfhipn