Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-17

I
 with us now, and they swear by him and will stand by him and will see to it that he isn't molested," was Chan ning's answer. He's just the fearless, reliable man we need for certain kind of work, and here's the place for him."
 But the landlord shook his head. ''Mr. Channing," said he earnestly, tI see and hear things you cannot see and hear because men look and talk sweet when you come around. It's their bread and butter. You manage your business in the interest of your stock holders, and must do the same for mine. I must attract custom, not an- tagouize it and lose my job. I mustn't offend those fellows of the other road, for some of them are stockholders of thisTery shop, and they are not fond of you, much less of MT. Langdon. If you want to reward and help him, take him to Chicago. Don't attempt to set tie him here"
 But the mere idea that one of his my was enough to set Charming solid ly against change of plan. He went to Melyille's room in the morning to say goodby and found that Boniface had been there before him, for Mel vile, too, was anxious. Mrs. Melville had gone out to dc some shopping; Miss GEahame sat in silence, an ab- sorbed listener That evening Langdon knocked, as usual, at Melvilles door to inquire what manner of day his friend had had and whether he could be of service Miss Grahame was just com ing forth, dressed for the street.
 1.-The troops go back to Pawnee to- night" she said, "and some of the of ficers are coming up in moment to say goodby. I thought should like a brisk walk"
 He hesitated moment. He well knew to whom she referred by "some of the officers" and why she referred to them at all. It would be embarrassing all around for him to meet them there. It was significant of her own desire to avoid Nathan and his set that she should be going out just as they were expected Langdonis first impulse was to offer to escort her, for night was dIlu luG GlGClIlC SlOOGS WGIS dl- ready sparkling on the snowy streets, and with all her Independence and fear lessness Miss Grahame might be wiser not to go forth unattended. But he fal- tered. The weather had set in sharp CT, colder, and he had no civilian over coat and would not wear the ''frogged" and braided garment of his late rank and profession now that he no longer held the commission. He could have spared himself any scruples as to that, since dozens of civilians east and west wear that army oyercoat because it strikes them as handsome, because it gives them an air of distinction and because there is no law to hinder. It was not on account of lack of warm clothing he hesitated, but one glance at his worn, old business suit, made three years before and much too snug for him now, banished all thought of rendering his services.
 "I may go in, may I not?' he said after a moment.
 "Oh, yes," was the answer as she threw open the door to admit him and then as he entered stood there, think ing. Twice her fine, thoughtful eyes followed him into the room; twice she caught herself listening for the sound of theR voices and trying to catch the words, then, with heightened color, turned sharply and stood within the room. A little party of artillery off, cers was issuing from the elevator. Another moment, and they were knock ing at the door.
 Good evening, Captain Nathan. Good evening, gentlemen" was her placid salutation. "Yes, the major will be glad to see you" And, one after an- other. she ushered the quartet into the dimly lighted apartment where Mrs. Melville came forward to greet them. You'll come up again tomorrow, Lang don," she heard Melville say as Sant- ley bent over her to express his disap- pointment that she should be going, out just as they were coming in. Couldn't she wait a moment? He would so like No; evidently she couldn't. Moreover, she made it impossible for Santley to complete his sentence by calmly saying. Now, Mr. Langdon, if you are quite ready" and thereby giv- ing Santley to understand her escort was already chosen. Santley glanced at Langdon, turned red and looked as though he really wanted to speak.