Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-11

was desired by that gentleman. What the major and his wife only conjectur- ed was that for Miss Grahame the ar rangement was less charming, but she made no remonstrance. There was very much in MT. Santley she did not fancy at all, but she would have been less than woman had she not seen that her half formed aversion was anything but reciprocated. Few women worth the winning are destitute of coquetry, however diluted, and Ethel Grahame had found pleasure and interest in spite of herself in MT. Santley's visits, for she delighted in puzzling, perplex- ing, even in tormenting, him. She had gone to two dances with him, to one with Woodrow or May and then refus- ed to go with him to third. He asked why. Because you ask so far ahead" , was her placid reply.
 q thought the rule was first come first served" he said in sulky sur- prise.
 "I know you did, and if that rule were universal no woman could be af- forded a choice. She might be compel led to go through an entire season with the least desirable man in society. Now, like variety"
 "You went riding three times hand running with MT. Langdon," complain ed the youth. "Did you refuse him the fourth?"
 ''The fourth never came, but if it had I should have gone. There is great diff ference between an exhilarating out door ride and an indoor party. Be sides MT. Langdon could teach so much" SSs
 (Which I can't dc, suppose you mean" said he disconsolately. < Then, with an upward glance, "Is he going to teach riding for a living, do you s'posew ,;
 The words were hardly spoken when he regretted them. Miss s Grahame flushed hotly, and the light in her eyes boded i'll for Santley.
 "I-I really beg your pardon," ehe hastened to say. That was very clum- sy of me, you know. I didn't mean-it was only in sport, you know"
 They were walking along the broad gravel path toward the commanding officers at the moment. The Tor
 
 four women,s joyously chatting and laughing, were entering. They nodded, with smiling significance, toward the approaching pair, thereby augmentfng Miss Grahame's annoyance.
 Say Pm forgiven, Miss Grahame." ]" pleaded Santley hurriedly, "ands that youwiu gowith me to the Thanksgiving hop. I've got to go to stables now, you know. There won't be any men at the Torrances' till after retreat. x Indeed Tm-I'm awfully sorry vexed you, s : and, to do Santley justice, he looked it.
 She turned and faced him. !sMr. Santley," she said, 'I knew very few officers till our coming here. It is the first garrison ever visited. My uncle and two of his old comrades formed my ideas of what our soldiers were and should be, and MT. Langdon seemed to be of the same caliber, as you artillery men say. never heard them sheer at man in such misfortune as had fallen to him. Your having vexed me is a small matter. My ideals of the army have been decidedly shaken, not by one, but by several of your associates. I thought officers were above such pettiness." ss 'ee a And now it was Santley's turn to redden. eff you stop to consider how MT. Langdon's miscon-misfortun reflect on the regiment, Miss Grahame,, you may understand why we feel it so deeply, and, feeling it, it is no wonder we occasionally speak. If it's anything | you-care about, of course I'm hoping he won't have to teach riding-or any, thing else." x asesSssssss .sss eiatss4 \
 Good afternoon, Mr., Santley," !" said she, for they had reached the open gate, and she desired no further words. -''But about the hop, Miss Grahame?'
 'I shall take it under advisement un- til tomorrow" was the mischievous and provoking answer, with all the chances against acceptance. doubt now if go at all" H
 But when Major Melville returned from stables he found his wife in deep concern. It was dark enough at that | time to call for lights in many of the quarters, and the windows at the Tor rances' were brilliant. Some of the women folk had already sauntered home; others were. still abroad, chat ting in eager, subdued tones. Mrs. Melville met the major at the door and | drew him into the parlor.
 What is this news about MT. Lang don?" she asked as soon as she had him safely cornered
 That he is at Sheridan and has been i'll, I gather,' was Melville's calm re- ply.
 | Now, I ask because Ethel came back | all afame with indignation and has l gone to her room to bathe her eyes. Mrs. Nathan said publicly that MT. Langdon had been picked up by the police drunk in the gutter of crowded street and that the soldiers clubbed to- gether, paid his fine and took him out to Fort Sheridan
 "I have letter from Nelson giving me full particulars" said Melville in the same unruffled manner as he gently drew his wife to seat by his side. "There Is no truth in the story of drunkenness or police. You remember Ryan, who used to be in my battery? Twas he who found Langdon faintfng, and they took him to Sheridan as a | A