Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-07-30

ing the two onward with 10 othor
dancers, snatohes of singing, of
laughter and of conversation sound
ing with tho music until there broke
in suddenly, drowning itall, clang,
roar, a below of thunder. The
music hesitated for an instant. For
an instant there was a oesSation of
movement as vol as ordinations of
fear. Then the bright figures swayed
on, and the chatter was resumed, and
tho damp, cool wind of a summer
shower blew over them while the
rain boat 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 tho swing had
gone from their step. They stopped
by an open window to lot tho fresh
wind blow over them. There came
a sudden gust which waited in u
great dark butterfly that, in tho rays
of artificial light, seemed dead black,
tho omen Of impending harm. 1t
huttered for an instant, daZZled and
wind beaten, flutterod and circled
around; then, spreading its shadow
wings, it floated steadily, relontlcSs-
~ upon Taunton md tho girl beside
him. She watched it with parted
lips and frightened eyes as it camo
toward her out of tho lightning
streakod 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. Tho creature of tho night flew
out into tho storm again with q
dropping wing.
An orderly crossed the hoproom
to the adjutant, who was speaking
to tho bandmaster, but mono of the
message.
We'll, play it if you can find tho
music" the adjutant said Coolly,
then wheeled about and followed the
orderly.
He was back again in ten minutes,
speaking hurricdly to Taunton.
Taunton answered, bowed his head,
and, turning away, crossed the room
to where Captain 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 air of proprietorship
that left the father aghast.
Lucia, listen, dear. I've hardly
time for even this goodby. Don t
look so frightened. 1t amounts to
nothing-simply some trouble over
at the agency that makes it neces-
sary for mo to go up there instantly
with a detachment. You know there
has been expectation of trouble for
some time. My dear child, you must
not look like that; how silly of sol
dier's daughter! tell you I'll be
back in few days. If you are GO
ing to faint, come out in the air. The
rain has stopped.
She took his arm and lot 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 &c
away? How can you? How can
your" 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.
Il WON'T" she answered, with set
teeth.
why, but, Lucia, you will if ]
say So"
II won't"
Then I'll do it alone"
Il cant stop you, but if you do ]
shall hate you as much as l have
loved you"
But why? He must be told some
time. I'm in fearful hurry. AS
a matter of fact, I've no right to be
here now. If the G. o. catches me,
I'll get the dickens. Come along
and tell him."
Il 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. I wouldn't mind SO
dreadfully if you were going to be
here, but think it mean and COW
ardly of you to leave me to bear the
brunt of it all alone for days and
days. 1t might kill me. I'm about
worried to death now"
A tear dropped on Taunton s hand
and melted his firmness in a mo-
ment. He began to. plead. But,
Lucia, he must know in n 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 l can understand. "
You were glad enough to get mo
most any way"
Il suppose that's it. But let me
tell your father now. 1t would be so
much better in case anything were
to happen to mo-"
"Oh, Marion, there's no danger,
is thcro:"
"Probably not, but you can't al
ways be sure. You see, it would be