Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-10-20
THE SENSE OF HONOR.

The hoproom ct Fort McKibbon was "a,
with Gags: the floor was Ikea burnishet
mirrors nearly all the married officers wer'
there with their wives and daughters, and
Of course. not bachelor was missing; thu
gold lace on the uniforms glittered in th'
blaze Of many lights: women who in thu
| daytime were merely ordinary mortals hzC
taken on with their evening gowns an all
of spirituelle beauty; = waltz had just end
ed, and the dancers were collected in groups
talking and laughing; the eornetist Of ths
band was playing solo. when Capt ane
Mrs. Kingsley came into the room
The cornetist caught his breath and lost q
note. but no one noticed The talking and
laughing ceased. Everyone knew that Mrs
Kingsley was the most beautiful woman IN
| the army, but no one had ever seen her q,
beautiful as she was that night
| Everyone looked at her, but she looked al
Capt. Howard only, who was standing alone
and who. after gazing at her moment as i
| spellbound. went toward her.
Her eyes were solemn, Der mouth unsmil
ing, as she gave him her hand.
well. Howard" said Capt. Kingsley, cor
! daily. laying his hand on Capt. Howard's
shoulder. They had been roommates at West
Point and firm friends from that time on.
How are you. Rob" said Capt. Howard,
constrainedly.
why. what's the matterY said Cal
Kingsley. "You look as solemn as an owl.
II feel just as look, /" said Capt. Howard.
Mrs Kingsley, may have the next dancer
The music began and Mrs. Kingsley
nodded and smiled to her husband as she
danced away with Capt. Howard.
Great heavens: This is terriblel" Mrs.
Kingsley whispered
IL wonder L you can imagine how like a
traitor | feelg" said Capt. Howard. II am
devoted to Rob. yet here am. trying to steal
bis wife"
"Buk you cannot feel as much like traitor
as do. for after all his goodness 10 me-his
unfailing love-I want to be stolen.
He stopped dancing and offered her his
arm. They went out ON to the porch. At
the farther end Of it he turned toward her.
and she stepped back from him a little way.
This cannot 60 on forever" be said.
do you really love mel" she asked.
You know it"
"And do you know how love you!"
yes"
For a moment she looked into his eyes,
then she held out her hands to his.
No." be said. firmly, taking them, but
holding her away from him, Il still have
some sense OF honor. II Rob were not my
friend it would be different. but as It is you
must either 60 away with me and be mine
altogether or you must stay here and be only
bis"
But If go away with you it win break
Rob's heart"
Il can brfeak his heart without compunc-
tion. but | cannot kiss his wife out here in
the dark and then go back into the hoproom
and speak to him as a trusted friend"
She looked at him scrutinizingly.
"What a curious thing a man is, she said
My sense Of honor would be satisfied II
could keep him from knowing. for would
bate to hurt his feelings"
Then am afraid that you have no sense
Of honor" be said, smiling.
Yes. have" she said, without the slight
est resentment in her voice. 81 wouldn't do
anything If he were away, but when he 10
here TO take care OF me and TO defend me
and to defend his own honor, really don't
think that it Is wrong for me TO do anything
I can without his finding out"
"What a curious thing woman 4" he
said. mockingly, but leniently. However.
it Is easy for a man to overlook great many
weaknesses and shortcomings IN the woman
he loves"
"And when a woman loves a man she
overloo}zs nothing" said Mrs. Kingsley. at
would grieve me to death If you were willing
to deceive Rob. am happy in my love for
you because believe that If did run away
with you, you would be as true to me as you
are to him"
"And win you 60 with mel"
Wont you kiss me unless dor
NO" be answered. looking at her stead
lily. She thought for moment.
Them will CO." she said.
Alice" said Capt. Kingaey's voice close
beside her. Il unintentionally overheard
what you said. | was bringing your wrap
to you" He laid the cape about her shout
d-rs as be spoke. Come home with me.
Howard. meet me in the morning at half an
hour before reveille, at the target range.
The dawn was glimmering in the east, the
birds twittered in a desultory fashion, the
dew was heavy on the trodden grass, when
Capt. Kingsley and Capt Howard met on
the target range.
you brought your pistois' said Capt.
Kingsley.
No." said Capt. Howard
THAT is just like you" said Capt. Kings
ley. Il suspected that you would not bring
one. 50 brought two" He banded one to
Capt Howard as be spoke.
Capt Kingsley walked Eve PAGES away
from Capt. Howard.
Are you ready." be said. turning toward
him.
YES"
Then count three and fire."
The two shots rang out simultaneously.
Neither man vas touched
"Why did you do thatg" said Capt. Kings
ley. frowning.
why did you'll" said Capt. Howard. Il
gave you a chance to revenge yourself"
What good would revenge do me:' said
Capt. Kingsley. Il think that my only wish
is to put myself out OF her way. Do you
mean to shoot me or do you notg"
Il do not" said Capt Howard.
you leave me no alternative. must do |
1 myself" said Capt. Kingsley.
And he did.
He was buried with military donors in |
the post cemetery The papers annuonced |