The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-05
AN ARMY NTEH
BY Capt. Charles King, u. =. a.



together. after a cold and embarrassed
acknowledgement of Mrs. McLane's greet
ing and most unwilling presentation
TO my wife," he hurried into another
car to be alone and collect his thoughts.
1t was shutdown by this time, and onlv
shutdown. For hours yet poor Florence
might be at the mercy of that rnerciless
woman, who Merriam now believed could
be capable OF anything. The thought
was unbearable- From the conductor he
learned that the McLanes were bound
for Coronado Beach. and that settled it.
Hastily writing few lines he folded the
paper compactly and walked briskly
back TO the Pullman. Both faces lighted
at his coming, Floy's with infinite re-
lief, Fanny's with laughing triumph.
mot another moments leave, SIR" cried
the latter, until you've explained where
you've been and promised never again
10 abandon your beloved. Fancy a man
who would leave his bride within an
among strangers. oh. that reminds me.
j haven't presented you to Mr.. McLane.
Will you come with me now?"
Cold refusal was on his tongue, but a
sudden thought struck him. Lead on,
madame follow" he said, and as she
tripped blithely away down the aisle he
quickly turned back. bent, and, printing
one long kiss on Floy's troubled face,
hurriedly whispered: Read this, dar-
ling. I'll be with you in one moment.
and then she cannot remain" Then
Mrs. McLane had halted at the angle of
the narrow passage around the smoking
compar tment and was awaiting him
there. Seeing this he stopped short at
the portiere, in full view of Florence had
she looked around, and, bowling, mo-
toned her to proceed. But she had
halted for a purpose and meant to have
her say. Who was it that declared that
even at the altar, in her wedding dress.
a woman could not forgive the rejected
lover who had found consolation else
where?
You are to be congratulated on the
elasticity with which you recover from
even severe attacks. Mr.. Merriam. Your
fever was said to be SUCH"
II have been fortunate in two recov-
cries, Mrs. McLane," was the cool re-
Spouse. Now If you are ready to pre-
sent me to Mr.. McLane I am at your
service; If not. I desire to return to my
wife"
The flush that leaped to her face. the
angry light to her eyes she could neither
conceal nor control For a moment she
stood there amazed. enraged and trem-
bling, then these words burst from her
lips: IT thought 1 loved you, Randy
Merriam-not two months ago-yes. de-
spite everything. Now / hate your
And with this melodramatic speech she
impetuously and abruptly turned, and
for the second time took refuge. dust or
tation to her husband apparently forgot
ten. For a proper and reasonable MIN
ute he awaited her return, then, quickly
stepping back. seated himself by his
young wife's' side. His hand sought and
found hers: his fond eyes, eagerly
searching, were not long denied the up
ward, appealing glance OF hers. Did
you read? Do you approve, dear lover"
he softly asked. cit would be exaspera-
ton to have to travel on with them.
Shall wire to Stoneman?'
Whatever you say. Randy" was the
whispered answer. "Only you won't
have to leave me again. will you?"
"Only for an instant, dear; just long
enough to send the dispatch from
Fauntleroy-one station ahead. She will
not trouble you again."
And from Fauntleroy a brief telegram
was flashed along the wires to the post
quartermaster at a famous old Arizona
station two hours ride beyond. and when
the brilliantly lighted train came steam
ing up to the platform there stood a
brace Of officers with welcome in their
eyes: and before Mrs McLane. once
again seated In her section and feigning
deep interest in her bc-t<, could realize
what had happened, Mr.. and Mrs. Mer-
Ram were leaving the car. he merely
raising his hat in civil farewell-the
bride, however. as the result of brief
conference with her lord, smiling brave
startled neighbor and saying. Il hope
YOU may have a delightful journey. Mrs
McLane. Good night"
.'why-I thought-surely you told me
you were going to-direct to San Diego.
and 1 had planned to have ever so long
a talk with you," and Mrs. McLane had
possessed herself of that slender hand,
and was hanging on suspiciously hard.
Eyes, we'll be there after a little" was
the serene answer. 1--WE visit old friends
first at Fort Stoneman." and with that
our army girl withdrew the hand which
hypocritical social ethics prescribed she
should extend. She had even the hardi-
hood to glance over her stylishly robed
shoulder and nod a CHEEKY, insouciant
farewell to the fair yet clouded- face at
the Pullman window. Verify Floys
elasticity was equal to her husbands.
Mr.. McLane they had not met at all.
nor did they again, on that now I'M
clouded wedding journey, once encounter
her. 1t was easy to trace the wander
ings OF this Manhattan magnate and his
lovely wife. Their movements were the
subject of daily paragraphs in the pa
pers from San Diego to Seattle, and not
until they had left Coronado Beach did
the Merriams go thither. Not until the
McLanes were heralded at the Palace IN
h..