Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1899-03-18

OR,
Half a Truth.
BY .rTTiE pUCHEss."

while, In making him unbend more than
he had ever done before to u stranger; and
Valerie saw that the captain had that rare
power of sympathy which can take an in
terest I'm whati interests others-not merely
the courteous hypocrisy Of good-breeding,
but a sympathy genuine, IL temporary.
The instinct of a kindred nature taught
Valerie to perceive this distinction; GER
tainly not worldly experience.
Captain Beauregard knew nothing of
botany (this he frankly ownedl aud also
he cared nothing; but Mr.. Herbert certain.
ly believed that he cared a good deal, and
he scored many more good marks in Va
lerle's mental tablets by his courteous at
tention to the old recluse's disquisitions,
and the questions he asked, as though he
were an inquirer in the Ito him) really UNI
congenial world OF Horticulture.
But presently the approaching war came
on the tdpis, and Louis asked IL the til
was likely to be ordered for service.
II think SOL hope sou said Captain
Beauregard. "We expect to be among the
first. But / hope also that we shall! be able
to have the ball-it is the end of next week,
80 dare say we shall manage 1t. / hope
You will honor us, Mr.. Charters, IL you
will forgive an informal invitation"
Il shall be delighted" replied Louis, his
fair face flushing with pleasure; and AS
for formalities, they are not much In my
ine.''
Nor in mine, faith!'
Exit botany, and enter frivolity, and the
ball, and the various people invited held
the ground for some minutes. Then tea
came in, and shortly after Captain Beau
regard tool his leave.
Louis Charters was an old friend, the
playmate of Valerie's childhood-so much
he knew: brother and sister? Yes, sister
Valerie; but Louis name to the girl was
not that of a brother. Captain Beauregard
frowned and bit his lip az he role onward.
IL ought not to be any concern of his what
Hecuba was to Louis, or Louis to Hecuba
but 1t was. The girl had fairly fascinat-
ed him; her very innocence and childlike
fnsouctdnce had d charm for the man OF
the world, used to see even girls in their
teens fully aware Of any advantages they
possessed, and quite able to take care of
themselves and their worldly interests.
Perhaps when Valerie was launched in
to that perllous sea OF society" she would,
like country-bred Julia. stand the test las
now stands fire" and "play the city lady
to the height"
But, be the future what It might, Cap
tain Max Beauregard was certainly allow
Ing the fairy maiden he had rescued from
the storm to occupy a large share of his
thoughts.
Meantsne Louis had been trying to OBJ
tain promises of dances from Valerie.
But / can't pledge you more than two,
Louis" she said; zone must not dance so
much with an old friend"
"Why not! Well, let me have the first
waltz after supper"
"oh! l promised that to Captain Beau
regard"
Louis uttered an impatient exclamation.
"Only that'" ne asked.
mo; three othersl'
-Four! And you only give me two!' ex-
claimed the young man, holly.
Valerie flushed up. She was by no means
Of a meek temper.
"If you choose to be absurd, Louis" she
said, turning away, 'you can De-"
Whereat Louis was her bounden slave
once more. But he resolved Captain Beau
regard should know Valerie was engaged.
CHAPTER VIII. CAPTAIN BE~AUREGARD's
GIFT.
The day of the ball came: and as yet,
though war had broken out two days ago
In the East, n all the talk in the regi-
ment at bennington was Of war, no orders
had arrived from headquarters.
Mrs. Fanshawe's carriage called In good
time for Valerie, and when she presented
herself to say goodbye to her uncle, even
that undemonstrative person told her she
'looked lovely" while Molly went into
ranfnraa Vat nrOhah1u Valaria1c uypplH
be the simplest gown in the town hall that
night. 1t was of cream cashmere, made
after the fashion of M~arguerite's, in
Faust" with a rich girdle of Indian
workmanship, that had belonged to Va
lerie's mother. Jewels the girl had none,
and did not need them. Had she not her
glorious youth, her picture-like beauty, and
the wealth Of her glittering ~tresses?
Louis had sent her q lovely bouquet, and
Valerie drove off in high spirits, with all
manner Of dazzling visions floating before
her young eyes. If she could have looked
only a few short months into the futurei
But for the young there Is only the near
horizon.
When she reached General F~anshawe's
bouse she was conducted straight mp TO her
hostess d~ressing-room, where the Generals
wife was under the hands OF her maid;
garments, jewels, and the various para
%phernalia of a lady's wardrobe Uttered all
about.
"How do you do, my dearP' said Mrs.
F~anshawe, taking Valerie's hands, and
kissing her warmly. NOW, off with your
mantle, and let's look at you. Stand Off
that's rightl'
The mantle was dropped, and Mrs. Fan
shave uttered an exclamation under her
breath.
Heavens! what beauty!'' Then, after a
pause of gratifed survey: my dear, you're
simply perfectl Was it your own taste to
have the gown made in that styleY"
"Yes, Mrs. Fanshawe."
Then you are an artist! Simply per.
fectl Now, sit down and have some tea
1t ison a little table yonder. OH! you have
f1owersi"
Yes" returned Valerie, smiling, though
little surprised at the remark.
She sat down and drank some tea, but
did not touch the cake or biscuits provided
also; she was too excited TO eat.
when you have finished" said Mrs.
F~anshawe, while her maid laced the bodice
OF her rich blue satin gown, "come and
open this box on the dressing-table.
must deliver my message, however you de.
eide"
Valerie glanced at the box, wondering
very much what it might contain; and
presently she rose, and advanced q little
timidly, to the table.
1t was a cardboard box she was told to
open, and the girl removed string and pa
per, with changing color, but no suspicion
of what the cover might conceal.
Her young face was a study, as she half
fearfully removed the cover and thetissue-
paper below, and her startled eyes beheld,
In a bed of cottonwood, the loveliest bou-
met of whita f3owaro opd p,oidan boir farm