Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-11

1Olclng IN the loneliness OF nature and the
night
Ii was reunited party, too. and in the
welcome of their winsome hostess, in the
soft, soothing influence of that summer
cline, and through the healing tonic of the
long sea voyage, faces that had been sad
dcned by deep anxiety but a few weeks
gone, smiled gladness into one another
row. A tail, gray-haired man reClined in
an easy iounging chair, his eyes intent on
the clear-cut face of a young soldier in trim
white uniform, who, with much animation,
was telling of an event in the recent cam
paign. BY his side, her humid eyes fol-
lowing his every gesture, sat tall. dark,
stylish girl, whose hand from time to time
Crept forth to caress his-an evident case
of sister worship. Close at hand another
young fellow, in spOtless white, his curly
head bent far forward, his elbows on his
knees, his fingertips joining, was studying
silently the effect of his comrades story
on anothcr-a fair girl whose sweet face.
serene and composed, was fully illumined
by the siyery light of the unclouded moon.
Coming by transport via Honolulu
Gov. $ cabled message had brought IA
sher and sister TO meet him at these
famed Crossroads of the Pacific" and
whittier they jOurneyed Amy Lawrence too
must go, said they. and, glad of oppOr-
tunity to see the land of perennial bloom
and sunshine, and wearied with long long
months of labor in the service of the Red
Cross, the girl had willingly accepted their
invitation. Coaled and provisions the trans
port had pushed on for the seven-day run
for San Francisco: but the recovering Of
his Iong-lost son and the soft, rcposeful
atmosphere of the lovely, yet Isolated island
-group, had so benefited Mr.. Prime that in
family council II had been decided wise for
them to spend a week or ten days longer
at the Royal Hawaiian; and the boys lad
found no difficulty in holding over for
the Sedgwlck that followed swift upon the
heels of their own ship.
Five joyous days had they together, and
this. the fifth. had been spent in sightseeing
beyond the lofty Pail of the northward
side, The 20 x o. liner was coming in
from Yokohama even as they drove away;
and as they sat at dinner on the open
lanai, long hours later, 1t had been men
toned by their host that the Sedgwick too
| mad reached the harbor during the after
noon and that army people We're passen-
gers on both liner and transport. Billy
Cray. for one, began to wish that dinner
We're over. He was eager to get the latest
news from the Philippines, and the Sedg-
wick left Manila full a week behind their
slower craft.
Did you hear who came with her?" he
somewhat eagerly asked, cor on the
Doric?" he continued, with less enthusiasm.
Il did not, was the answer-"that is. on
the Sedgwjck.' and the gentleman halted
lamely and glanced furtively and appeal
ingly at his wife. There was that embar-
RAISING ipterrogative silence that makes
one feel the futility of concea lment. 1t
was Miss Lawrence who quickly came to
his relief and dispeled the strain on the
| situation.
4 should fancy very few army people
would choose that roundabout way from
Manila when they can come direct by
transport. and have the ship to themselves"
"Neu-er-yeS; certainly, certainly" an
SWcred the helpless master of the house.
lodging now the warning and reproach in
the eyes of his wiser mate az the other end
of the table. The crack of a coachman's
whip and the swift beat of trotting hoofs
on the grayeIed road in front could be
| heard as he faltered on. The CLEAN of cab
lights came floating through the north
| ward shrubbery. Except, of course,
| when they happen to be-er-already, well,
| You know, at Hong Kong or Nagasaki' he
( lameiy concluded.
There was an instant hurried glance eX
! changed between Gray and Prime Then
| up spoke in siIvery tone their hostess:
| other officers, you know are ordered
| home. We have just heard today that Col
| onei Frost comes very soon. His health
seems quite shattered. 1 believe-yOu knew
| of them-slightly that is to say Miss
| words she cast an anxious, furtive glance
| along the dim reach of the lanai for the
! pit-a-pat of footballs, 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
| INTERVIEWED. then. all grace and gladness
| smiles and cordially, 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 delicious, Yes, this is the baby sister
I've raved to You about. We 50 right on