The herald., 1898-08-28

ant passed him he politely directed
them where he said they would find the
captain.
Adams did not occupy his office in
the evening, but the room across the
hall, to which Brown had withdrawn
that morning during the officers ex-
animation of Black Jake. This apart
ment, though far from luxurious In it's
appointments, was fitted up with some
regard to comfort. 1t contained a pair
Of easy chairs, lounge and num-
Der of rugs. The walls were adorned
with few good pictures and decorat-
ed with several articles of bric-a- brac,
mostly of a military character. At
the moment of Mary Edgewood's visit,
the owner of the apartment was sit
ting in one of the easy chairs, smok-
ing his pipe, and never dreaming Of the
great honor about to be paid him.
Come in," ne called out in response
to Aunt Martha's knock.
It was his orderly, he thought, and
did not turn his head.
well, what do you want?"
Captain Adams" began Mary
Edgewood.
The officer sprang to his feet as if
he were electrified.
Miss Edgewood!" he exclaimed, and
stepping quickly forward he placed a
chair, into which the young girl sank
trembling from head to foot.
Thank yer, sah," said old Martha to
the captain, with a curtsy. Then turn
ing quickly to her young mistress,
"Thar-thar, honey, set right still and
repose yerse'f. Oar ain't bit O. hur-
ry, not bit in de world"
Let me bring glass Of water" said
Adams, hastily fetching a goblet of ice
water from an adjoining room, for
which Mary thanked him silently with
a glance of her blue eyes.
Meantime Aunt Martha began to fan
her young mistress with an immense
turkey-tail fan.
"Cap'n," said the old negress across
the turkey tail; "viewin' de fact dat
you is a genTman who's been a CUES
O. de Edgewood family, my little mis-.
sic hopes dat de pressin' nature Of hel
business will 'scuse de onexpectedness
of her visit dis evening"
Certainly, Aunt Martha" said the
captain, who still remained standing
"A visit from Miss Edgewood does me
honor at any time; and whatever may
be the nature of her business, I am 81
grateful to the young lady and hel
mother that any opportunity to servt
them will afford me pleasure impos
sble to express" The young Office
addressed Aunt Martha, but his eye
were fixed upon Mary Edgewood.
! AS a sunf1ower drinks the sunlight
the old negress listened to the captain
words, and when he finished her fac
beamed with satisfaction.
Meantime her young mistress had II
| a great measure recovered from he
| nervousness.
| do not stand, Captain Adams; m.
business may occupy several minutes,
said the young girl, stopping Aun
Martha's fan with gentle gesture.
The officer took a chair In his sur
prise and pleasure at seeing Mar.
Edgewood, it had not occurred to hin
that she might have come to interced
with him in behalf of Layburn ant
Meriweather. Consequently the dis
agreeable thought that duty nigh
force him to deny her request neve
entered his mind. After rather lon
pause, he wondered why she did no
disclose her mission.
your mother is well. hope, Mis-
Edgewood?" said Adams.
"Quite well, Captain"
"And all is well at homer" continues
the young man. trying at random t
afford an opening for the young girl.
"Quite So"
The indescribable expectant stillnes
which often precedes the introductio
of an important topic, settled upon tn
room after the last reply, and the ten
sion grew with each second. 1t wa
impossible to speak of Indifferent sub
jects. The silence finally becoming uu
bearable, Mary spoke.