The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-05-25

1t was not chance that brought the
stalwart soldier instantly to Amy's
side. Her gaze was upon him before
the carriage stopped, and irresistibly
drew him. The man of mature years,
the hero of sharp combats and stirring
campaigns with q fierce and savage foe,
and gallant men, obeyed without
thought of demur the unspoken sum-
mons of girl yet in her teens. There
was a new light in her clear and beau
,tiful eyes, a flush upon her soft and
rounded cheek, a little flutter, possibly,
in her kind and loyal heart. Heaven
knows his heart beat high with an emo
ton he could not subdue, though his
bearing was grave and courteous as
ever, but about that sweet and flushing
face there shone the halo of a woman's
brave determination, and no sooner had
he reached the carriage side than, bend
ing toward him, she spoke. Mildred
Prime could not repress little gasp of
amaze.
''Col. Armstrong, will you kindly
open the carriage door? 1 want to talk
with you a moment"
Without a word he wrenched the
handle and threw wide the door. Light
as bird she sprang to the ground, her
fingers just touching the extended
hand. Side by side they strolled away
across the sunlit lawn, he so strong,
virile, erect, she so issome and grace
full. Full of her purpose, yet fearful
that with delay might come timidity,
she'looked up in his face:
'Col. Armstrong, l have heard only
to-day that Mr.. Gray is in really serious
danger. Will you tell me-the truth?"
Just what Armstrong expected it
might be hard to say. The light that
had leaped to his eyes faded slowly and
his face lost something of the flush of
robust health. There was brief pause
before he spoke as though he wished
time to weigh his words.
81 fear it is true" he gravely said.
Then in a moment: ''Miss Lawrence,
will you not take my arm?' And he
felt her hand tremble as she placed it
there. 1t was a moment before she be-
gan again.
''They tell me he should have counsel,
to-day. There is no one in his battalion,
it seems, whom he really looks up to.
He is kheadstrong and self-confident.
Do you think he should-that he needs
one?" And anxiously the brave eyes
sought the strong, soldierly face.
ct would seem SO, Miss Lawrence"
She drew a long breath. She seemed
to cling little closer to his arm. Then
straight came the next question:
"Col. Armstrong, will you do me
great favor? Will you be his counsel?"
He was looking directly to the front
as she spoke. Something told him what
was coming, yet he could not answer
all at once. What did it mean, after all,
but just what he had been thinking for
week, that the girls fresh young
heart had gone out to this merry, hand
some, soldierly lad, whom he, too, had
often marked with keen appreciation
when in command of his big company
at drill. What possible thought of hers
could he, more than twice her years.
have ever hoped to win? She had come
to him in her sore trouble-and her
lover's-as she would have gone to her
father had he been a soldier schooled in
such affairs. Armstrong pulled himself
together with quick, stern self-com-
mand.
Looking down, he saw that her eyes
were filling, her lips paling, and rush
of tenderness overcame him as he SIM
ply and gently answered.:
Yes, and there is no time to be lost"
All these last days, it will be remem-
bered, Mrs. Frank Garrison with pref
ty Cherry Ripe" had found shelter at
the Preside. The palace was no place
for q, poor soldiers wife, and there was
no longer grateful nabob as possible
source of income. 1t is doubtful indeed
whether that mine could be further
tapped, for the ELUSIVE brother-in-law
of the winter gone by had found dis
illusion in more ways than one. Gar
rison, busy day and night with his staff
duties, had plainly to tell his capri
cious wife that she had come without
his knowledge or consent, and that he
could not think of meeting the expense
of even a two weeks stay in town. He
could not account for her coming at
all. He had left her with his own peo-
pie where at least she would be in COM
fort while he took the field. He desired
that she should return thither at once.
She determined to remain and gayly
tapped his check and babe him have
no concern. She could readily find