Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-12

one, began to wish that dinner was over. He
WAS eager to get the latest news from the
Philippines, and the Sedgwick left Manila
full week behind their slower craft.
did you hear who came with her?' he
somewhat eagerly asked, "or on the Doric?"
he continued, with less enthusiasm.
II did not" was the answer-"that is, on
the Sedgwick;" and the gentleman halted
lamely and glanced furtively and appealingly
at his wife. There was that embarrassing,
interrogative silence that makes one feel the
futility of concealment 1t was Miss Law
renee who quickly came to his relief and
dispelled the strain on the situation.
II should fancy very few army people
would choose that roundabout way from Ma
Mia when they can come direct by transport,
and have the ship to themselves. :"
"Well-er-yes certainly" answered the
helpless master Of the house, lodging now
the warning and reproach in the eyes of his
wiser mate at the other end OF the table. The
crack of a coachmans whip and the swift
beat of trotting hoofs on the graveled road
in front could be heard as he faltered on
The geam OF cab lights came floating
through the northward shrubbery. Except,
of course, when they happen to be-er-al-
ready, we'll, you know, at Hong Kong or
Nagasaki," he lamely concluded.
There was an instant hurried glance ex-
changed between Gray and Prime. Then up
spoke in silvery tone their hostess:
"Other officers, you know, are ordered
home. We have just heard today that Col
onel Frost comes very soon. His health seems
quite shattered. l believe-you knew-of
them-slightly that is to say, Miss Prime,
did you not?" But even with her words she
cast an anxious, furtive glance along the dim
. tl,nl fnr thn ptt nf r.
falls, the swish of feminine draperies was
distinctly heard. Two dainty. white-robed
forms came floating into view, and, with
changing color, their hostess suddenly arose
and stepped forward to meet them. Just
one second of silence intervened. then. all
grace and gladness, smiles and cordality,
both her little hands outstretched. Mrs
Frank Garrison came dancing into their
midst, her sister more timidly following.
Dear Mrs. Marsden, how perfectly-kiss
kiss-deicious! Yes, this is the baby sister
I've raved to you about. We go right on with
the Doric, but ! had TO bring her out with
me that you might have just one glance at
her. Why! Mr., Prime! Why, what could
be more charming than to find you here
And Gov too-you wicked boy! What won't
do to you for never telling me you were in
Manila? And Midred!''-kiss. kiss, despite
part of the half -dazed recipient, And you,
tco, Miss Lawrence?" Both hands, but no
kiss-one hand calmly accepted "Ah, then
know how happy you are, Mr.. Willie
Gray" beaming arch smiles upon that
flushed and fiustered young officer. Then,
turning again to twine a jeweled arm about
the slim waist of their hostess, 10 whom she
clung as though defying any effort to dis
lodge, yet pleading for protection; who on
earth could have foretold that we of all
people should have met out hereof all
places? How long did you say you had been
here? week? And of course dear Mrs.
Marsden has done everything to make it
lovely for you. l should have died without
her." And so the swift play of words went
on. the rapid fire OF her fluent tongue cover
ing the movement of her allies and drowning
all possibility of reply. It was an odd and
trying moment. Mrs, Marsden. we'll know
ing as who in Honolulu did not. OF Mrs.
Franks devotion to the young lieutenant,