The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-11-30

Ifs oueenis's beauty wss matursd ana
seemed more heightened BY time. She
was far more lovely than before. ATT
er the first moments shock Of surprise
pride assumed control. and placed each
other on the guard.
They longed to break the ice, but
neither wanted to make the advance.
After the feasting was over the
happy group assembled in the great
parlor to talk over pleasant reminis-
cences or indulge IN quiet tete-a-
tete.
Then someone, may his tribe in
crease. said:
Il brought my violin. will play
and call off; let US have a dance to-
night"
The suggestion was greeted with
a hearty shout, and the young fellows
rushed to find their partners.
Right quickly they all took their
places on the floor, when they found
that they wantlI just one couple
more.
Come, come, Soldier Jack, secure
partner" cried ..le voluntary mu-
sician.
Moved by some uncomfortable i'm
pulse, Jack arose and went to where
Queenie Graham sat, and, bending
low, whispered:
"Will you come and dance 'Haste+ to
the Wedding with me?"
She assented, and all were at their
places.
Then someone on the piano accom-
panied the violin in that sweet old
melody, Haste to the Wedding"
There is always an opportunity in a
quadrille for sly word now and then
between partners.
"All join hands and circle to, the
right"
Il want to ask you something" she,
Whispered, when they were at their
places again.
What is it,"
First four forward and back again.
Aud away they went.
When next they hau an opportunity
Sc thrust into his hand an item
clipped from a newspaper.
1t was of young soldier carried
bleeding and dying from San. Juan hill,
murmuring:
"Queenie, Queenie, oh, my long-lost
loved one, shall never see you more?"
''Was that you?" she asked:
eyes," he answered.
Then he took her nand. 1t trembled,
and her azure eyes grew dim.
Balance ALL"
1t was several minutes before either
could speak.
The sweet-tuned violin, accompanied:
by the piano, poured forth such, soul
stirring music as can be found! only
in that precious old air, Haste to the
Wedding"
He was about to speak When the
musician calling off, shouted:
Gents to places-all promenade
1t gave him an opportunity to re-
cover himself, and when next they
glided across the room he whispered:
Say, Queenie, will you keep that old
promise you made long ago."
She looked up at him, smiling
through her tears.
Ten years of misery and suffering
had passed since he held that hand
Oh, it was reward for all that suffer-
ing!
"Queenie. have it yet" he whis-
pered, taking from his vest pocket the
betrothal ring which he had carried
all these ears.
ct has never left me, for 1" always
had hoped that a time might come
when l could restore it to the, finger
where it belonged It. was with me
on that dark, gloomy day at San Juan
hill, where saw so many noble men.
die.
Il carried it over my heart and.
prayed that if fell some Spanish.
bullet might pass through the band of
love to reach q heart that beat for.
you. Oh, Queenie, did you know that,
you have never"
Swing partners to place."
What an abomination was that old
fiddler and the dance to Jack.
When he next got an opportunity
he whispered:
"Never been out of my mind