The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1896-12-31

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The dazzling surface. Everywhere about
The post lights were twinkling in the
quarters and sounds of soldier merri-
nent and revelry came from the bar
.acks. Over at the assembly room Rorke
md his party were still busily at work
ranging festoons Of green and complet-
ng the decorations for the morrow,
while in the several households. among
ihe officers dinner parties or similar en-
ertainments called together under one
:oof or another almost all the families
Is we'll as the bachelors Of the garrison.
The children were rejoicing in their
yreat Christmas tree at the chapel. The
colonel had hidden them all to his big
house for Santa Claus party after the
,ublic ceremony of the post Sunday
chool, and Aunt Lucretia, garrulous,
dignity, feather Drained fairy of 40
summers or more, was doing her best
10 get the little gifts in proper order
against their coming, being aided in
her perplexities and complications by
he dreamy, but devoted, Wayne. Kitty
was dining at the Farwells'-a tenn
porary truce having been patched up
between her and Will about sunset-and
Ellis, too, very, very much against her
wish, was one Of this party. Ormsby
vas, of course, hidden, and had been
placed next the lady of his love, but
!verted eyes and monosyllabio answers
we're the only returns Of his devotion.
Grieved and hurt at first, the sterling
elbow was finally stung to reprisals.
He was guilty Of no wrong. He was
worthy far kinder treatment at her
hands, and, noting her apparent de-
termination to talk only with the men
across the table or with Captain Amory,
Who had taken her in, the New Yorker
presently succeeded in interesting the
ady on his right, and, when dinner
Vas over and the women passed out into
he parlor, was enabled to make way
or Miss Farrar with very courteous
but entirely ceremonious bow. Ellis
1ushed, but, inclining her head, passed
him by without a word.
It was then nearly $3.50 O'Clock, and
The gleeful voices of the children could
oe heard returning from the chapel,
md, mindful of his promise to Helen
Oaunton, Ormsby was already figuring
or an opportunity of temporary escape.
It had been arranged that most of the
ulcers and ladies were to gather at the
ioproom after 10, 'just to see if the floor
vas in good shape for tomorrow" and
Jack well understood that Ellis did not
mean that he should be her escort, and,
Is matters now stood, he did not desire
Ter to suppose that such was his wish.
Even as he was bordering over the
cigarettes and coffee how he should
manage the matter and giving but alb
entminded attention to the CHEEKY chat
.bout him Captain Amory suddenly
fitted his hand and said, "Hush!''
Out across the parade, quick, stirring
md spirited, the cavalry trumpet was
ounding Officers CALL" and every
nan sprang to his feet. 'What can it
nean?" "What has happened?" were
he questions that assailed them as they
,ame streaming out through the parlor
n search of their greatcoats.
"Did you ever know such a regi-
.
lively. II do believe we never get
through Christmas without tragedy
If some kind. - And then she bit her
pngue as she caught sight of Ellis Far
ar's startled face.
II Think if you will excuse me, Mrs.
Farwell, will go to mother a moment
She is at the chaplain's by this time
and Mrs. Daunton is with her. Still,
feel anxious. All this may excite her
very much
And so, while the officers went hur-
rying away across to the adjutant's Of
fee, Ormsby found himself. after all,
rendering his arm to Miss Farrar. He
was the only man left. Kitty, excited
and agitated, she knew not why. had
made some comical attempts to detain
Will, but his long legs had by this time
carried him half way to the scene Of the
sudden summons.
Thank you, no. do not need it, "
said Ellis coldly. Indeed, do not
need escort at all to go so short dis
tance''
It seems to be the post custom none
the less," was the grave answer. "Be-
sides, think I am justified in saying
you have treated me with aversion SO
marked Of late that am entitled to
know the cause. What can have done
to deserve it, Ellis? Let us understand
each other.''
"There is only one way, then, Mr..
Ormsby," she answered, with sudden
impulse. "Who is Helen Daunton?''
"Ellis, cannot tell you now," was
the sorrowful, gentle answer. BE pa
tient with me yet a little while.''
"Yet you know?''
"Yes-I know
"And you say let us understand each
other, she answered bitterly.
ELLIS, said to you before when we
spoke of this that there are secret orders
q soldier must obey and not explain. In
these last few hours secret orders have
come to me. !"
"And you accept secret orders-fron
her2''
II accept them from my honor, Ellis
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