The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-05-29

II Qlun . DeuJ MS WIG, nOWCNSAS
lwouldn't have made the slightest dill
ference whether she had committee
mntrimony or not; the Lawrence
would never have had the general no
even single member of the staff to DIN
ner. She's never dined the paymasteI
you know"
II think it's too bad first lieutenant
wife has to do it, and all the rest OF thu
entertaining for the post"
"You are also the adjutant's wife, re
member"
"Ies, of course. Iwonder what's thu
matter with Sing, anyway"
| That's obvious-approach guests,
i observed Ritchie, strol1ing and curling
/ his unduly military mustachios, the
mustachios that have entwined and en-
shared so many hearts in their silker
meshes since then. in the whiri of Wash
| ington society. Richie was Melville's
second lieutenant at that time, and as
he was not married, and didn't like the
bachelor mess, he messed with his senior
and that young officers Wife
"1Vhy didn't his cousin die, them
perhaps he realizes that the dead
cousins funeral is a little worn as
method of obtaining leave"
Il should think SO; one died when
the paymaster was coming to dinner
the time before last, and another when
the Indian agent was here, and he pol
ished off two in anticipation of the pay
masters last trip"
That's not all, Austin" pursued Mrs.
Melville. Generally he only slams
when he has lost at faro the night be-
FORE
In pursuance of his method of war
fare, Sing precipitated a chopping bowl
and knife to the floor, with resulting
noise that only the falling of those two
homely utensils could possibly accom-
plish. Melville bit his upper lip and
clenched his fist.
Il wonder if it would do any good
for me to go out and speak to him quiet
ly?" suggested his wife.
Suppose you try it. If he takes
carving knife to you, call out, and we
will come to your rescue; but unless
it's an actual carving-knife, don't get
us mixed up in any domestic brawl."
Mrs. Melville patted her lace-and-rib-
bon breakfast-cap down securely, took
, long breath, arose, walked resolutely
to the kitchen door, opened it, passed
through, and closed it behind her.
Melville and Richie listened. Mel
lille leaned back in his pine Q. NJ. chair,
With his ear bent toward the kitchen;
Richie scraped salt into little ridges
IN the cloth with his knife. They could
lear the droning of Mrs. Melville's voice,
hen pause. She commenced, and
,aused again, and yet third time. her
,oice rising little higher at the last.
But Sing was worshipping the god Of
Hence.
After the third venture, Mrs. Melville
anne reluctantly out and resumed her
eat.
"Well?"
"Well, / told him.
Eyes. we heard you. But what did he
o?"
he dldn GO anythlng-mucn. he
ust didn't answer"
Did he turn his back on you?"
"Well-yes."
I'm short, he didn't pay any attention
o you?"
Il suppose he didn't"
Melville took biscuit, and passed the
,late up to Richie.
what the dickens is one going to do
bout it?'' he asked of the opposite
vail.
'If we were only nearer some town
II the railroad, we might get some one
Use. But if we let Sing go, it may be
months before we can get anybody else.
wouldn't mind cooking for you and
FRS. Richie so much, though it's pretty
lard work, but l actually can't get up
dinner for the inspector general and
lis staff, and serve the dinner, too"
A pan went clashing and gathering
long the kitchen floor. Mrs. Melville
iphed. Melville grew fiercer. and Ritchie