The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-15

AOA
to speak TO him at all. OF course the
major had been brusque and repellent
and had virtually forbidden his further
attentions: but, heavens, that was not
Winifred's doing, and both the major
and herself had endeavored to show
him, without unnecessary allusion TO
the matter, that whatsoever might have
been the suspicious or impressions
aroused bv the singular conduct of that
middle aged married fiirt at Pawnee,
they no longer entertained the faintest
III opinion OF him. Indeed. Mrs BerTien
never had. Blue blooded herself, her
faith in bon sang was deep rooted. She
had always liked Brewster, but she was
a loyal wife and would in no wise act
counter to her husbands wishes. 1t
was now, when Mr.. Brewster seemed
allowing his pride and resentment to
prompt him to this undeserved and cruel
wounding Of her daughters heart, that
Mrs Berrien first felt any unkindliness
She could have made him suffer for it,
but that she knew it would hurt Wini-
fred as we'll Without a word, but just
81 SO1u % l14C lctSN Va nIAAOn
Innings disappeared from view, Wini-
fred had turned from the parlor and
again sought her room. Mrs. Berrien
sent a bell boy for Mr.. Randolph, who,
having dismounted at the entrance, was
standing, the center of a group of
friends, in the marble fioored Office be-
low, and Randolph came up with the
next trip of the elevator.
"Do you go with us TO the dinner at
the As tonight, Mr.. Randolph"
mo, Mrs. Berrien; believe only
those who are so Fortunate as TO be the
husbands of certain ladies' Of the Twelfth
are bidden. We are going to have lit
tie gathering here to see Curly of.
"And where does Curly go-and
when:"
Back to Washington by the first
train, Mrs. Berrien. He's been offered
a detail at the war department.
How delightful that is for Mr.. Brew
ster! Why, the Twelfth is getting some
little recognition after all. Up to this
moment the generals welcome home is
the only word we've had from a soul.
Then you'll all be here tonight. will
your"
.'Most of us. Rolfe's here, too
laughed Randolph, "but he sat in a deep
window during the procession and
doesn't mean to show in public yet. I'm
told he wants to make mp with Curly
before he goes tonight, but Curly won't
let him." And Randolph knit his
brows. 81 wouldn't if we're Brewster.
Wouldn't it be odd if they took the same
train, though? | suppose he won't care
to exhibit that new cheek of his to Miss
Guthrie. VIII she be here after the
dinner"
Il doubt it, Mr.. Randolph. Miss
Guthrie is not at all well. She had a
sinking spell of some kind this after
noon during the parade, and has not
left her room since. Say to Mr.. Brew
ster for me that we shall hope to see
him before he leaves, will you? Wen
be back about ten o'clock"
But it is after ten, long after, that now
they are gathered in the parlors, and
music, laughter and the sound of merry
voices ring through the wide corridors
Winifred, the wistful look gone from
her dark eyes, a soft flush ON her cheek,
is standing near one of the high win
dows, the center of a group of ladies and
officers, among whom at this moment is
Brewster, his right arm still in its sling.
Though she strives after her first flutter-
ing welcome not TO glance at him again.
Just now at least she cannot quiet con-
troll her ewes. She cannot but mark
with shy deligh. how her fathers broad
palm is laid upon her hero's shoulder as
the veteran trooper looks into the
younger soldiers face with an expires
sion she is thankful to see. All around
the big, stifiiy furnished, formal room.
with laughter and with gladness old
friends are meeting again for the first
time in years-one at least of the joys of
our nomad army life. The buzz Of con-
versation, the remarks of Mr.. Ridge
way, who ciings to her side, and the
sweet, thrilling strains of "Rigoletto"
floating up from the rotunda, fall upon
listless ears. Winifred is striving to
catch his words, for now her mother has
joined them, and Eer cordial, kindly
voice mingles with those about her
She cannot hear what is said except in
mere snatches, word here and there.
but she can and does see that, though
thoroughly courteous, Brewster is dig
nifed, almost unresponsive. When her
father makes some jovial allusion TO his
narrow escape at the Porcupine and
would apparently refer to Brewster's
rush to the rescue, the latter seems to
waive it aside and turn at once to another
subject. Why will he be $3.50 unlike
his old self?
Harkl From the street beiaw the
ringing call of the hUEle. Randolph
pokes his head in through the other win
dow:
Come out, all of you. Come and
see them march away" 1t ;s that hand
some regiment from the 4recn City.
And in a trice, men and women, they
are pouring ont upon the roof of the
portico.
"Come alongrr shouts old Berrien.
Come along, Let's give EN- cavalry
send off" And away lie goes at the
heels of the throng. ''Co::.r. Bcrenga-
ria, you want TO see this regiment, tell
you. Its beauty. And s;,-a a bandr'
But Berengaria holds bel@s an instant.
"Winifred, dear, your wraps are not
here. and fear it is too chilly for you"
''Oh, I'll throw my cape over her"
bursts in Ridgeway. "Just the thingi
Come, Miss Berrien. Where's your cape,
Curly? You bring Mrs. Berrien, will
youg" And, rejoicing in his finesse, Mr
Ridgeway offers his arm.
My cape's down stairs in the Office"
answers Brewster. shortly.
YES, and whatever you do, Brewster.
don't you go ont in the night air with
out it" quietly remarks Dr. Holden al
this juncture, as he follows the party.
"Orders are orders" laughs Mrs. Ber-
rien. Sorry for yOu, Mr. brewster.
but you'll have to see them through our
eyes. Yes, thank you, Mr.. Ridgeway,~
as she possesses herself of that young
troopers arm, Il shall be very glad of
your cape" And Ridgeway. with one
stupefied backward glance. RECEIVERS
himself and goes.
Winifred Is still standing by the cur
tanned window, half hidden by the pro-
lection Of the chimney and its marble
mantel. Very, very lovely she is in her
dinner toilet. a simple gown, clinging
il Its soft, creamy folds about her slen-
der form, a necklace OF rare pearls.
beautiful quaint old heirloom, looped
below Eer fair, rounded throat, its
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