Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-11-26

away, and now, even at night, he did
not depart from bis practice. The chap
lain had opened the door to note the
progress Of the preparations across the
parade. Orderlies with the horses Of the
officers were trottins past. The noncom.
missioned sta1 were already mounting
at the adjutant's Office, and over at the
band barracks the gray chargers, the
music stools Of the musicians were be.
ing led into the line.
A mounted band was something that
Kitty had never seen, and curiosity and
coquetry combined led her to lend her
ear to the chaplain g suggestion that she
should come out and see the column
eide away and wave q goodby to her
admirers among the subalterns. If Will
persisted in his i'll temper, there was no
sense in staying there, and perhaps the
quickest way to bring him to terms was
to manifest interest in his fellows So,
leaving him to the ministrations Of his
mother. she danced away to the front
door, Ellis promptly following. The
night was still and beautiful, softly
hasy and not very cold, and the scene
across the snow covered parade was full
Of life and animation Lights were
dancing to and fro among the company
quartera Two Of the designated troops
had already marched up from the
stables, formed line in front of their
barracks and, dismounting, were await.
ing the sounding Of adjutant's call and
the formation Of the squadron. Officers
we're mounting every moment along the
row and trotting out to join their com.
mands, and presently, from the colo
nel's big house on the edge Of the bluff,
came three horsemen clad in heavy VIM
ter field garb, and even in the dim light
there was no difficulty in recognizing
Fenton's aoldierly form. These were
Joined by the adjutant as they rode out
upon the parade, and then one Of the
group came jogging over toward the
chaplain, followed by an attendant Or
DERBY. It was Jack Ormsby, and Kitty
auttered down to the gate to meet him.
"You and Aunt Lucretia will have to
keep house by yourselves tonight, little
sistez." said he laughingly as he bent
to kiss her goodby. Corporal Rorke
is to sleep at the house, 80 that you will
not lack for guards. Where's Wilt"
Hes with his mother in the parlor
and just too miserable for anything"
said Kitty, who. now that she could see
for herself the preparation for a march,
began to feel far more sympathy for her
lover, II not actually to wish that she
were q man and could go too Ellis,
quick to notice Ormsby's coming, he'd
slipped back within the hall and par
TALLY closed the door. CHANGING over
her shoulder, she could see that her
mother had left her reclining chair and
was bending fondly over Will, smooth
ing his tumbled hair and striving to
soothe and comfort him. but it was evil
dent that Will was sorely hurt, for he
turned away in irrepressible chagrin
and distress and covered his face with
his hands. Helen Daunton, forgetful
for tie moment Of her own bitter trou.
bic, had sought to aid her friend in con.
soling the boy, but it was her FIRST expe.
Renee in such a case. She had never
realized what it meant to q proud and
ambitious young soldier to be held in
garrison when his comrades were being
sent to the field, and, finding presently
that she could be Of little aid, she drew
away toward the window to join the
chaplain and his wife, who were gaz-
ing out upon the parade, when the stir.
ring notes Of adjutant's call came trill.
ing through the hazy moonlight, and,
with q groan that seemed to rise from
the depths Of his heart, poor Will threw
himself face downward upon the sofa,
utterly refusing to be comforted.
Come" said the chaplain in low
tone, "they will be better left to them
selves. Let Us 60 out and see the troops
form line," and, hastily quitting the
parlor, they came suddenly upon Ellis
lingering at the outer door.
''Mr. Ormsby was saying goodby to
Kitty" she nervously explained, land
/ remained here for moment. He Is
still there
Yes, still there, although he had said
adieu to his little sister, and the squad
ron was rapidly forming on the parade
Still there and looking now and then
beyond Kitty's pretty, pathetic little
face. clouded with trouble altogether
nav 10 it. Still there. and longing for
. sight Of the face he loved as he did no
other despite all its GOODNESS and aver
sion. Then they came hurrying forth
the old dominic and his faithful help
meet. the two young and beautiful
women-and at sight Of them Ormsby
suddenly dismounted and passing the
reins to his orderly ran nimbly up the
steps and extended his hand. GOOD
night. ohsplain-good night, Mrs.
Ransom. We count on eating our
Christmas dinner here despite the night
march. Good night. Miss Farrar," he
added gravely, gently. 1--WE still hope
TO be here to wish you merry Christmas
Please extend my sympathies to Will. I
know how hard it is for him to stay
Good night, Mrs. F-Mrs. Daun-
ton" he stumbled on, and extended to
her the hand which he had withheld
from Ellis %Oh, pardon mel Did Far.
for your
mot yet, Mr.. Ormsby. He has hard
y thought Of anything but his grief at
being retained here"
Well, ak him for II before 10
o'clock. lt''-And he was bfitipR pain