Daily camera., 1901-08-06

the call. because he wished to have his
interview over and done with. The men
Of his troop were already leading out
as he came in sight of the long row OF
yellow-washed rookeries that passed
for stables, and il annoyed him 10 be
hailed on the way, one after another,
by these two admirers OF so much that
he couldn't admire al all. Then, as luck
would have il. the Northumberland
was the next 10 Gccost him and 10 re-
mark that he was five minutes late,
which wasn't so. but couldn't be con-
tradictcd, and Grafton was gritting his
teeth when he reached his troop. He
.vas in no mood to talk automatically
with Merriam just then, and knew II,
and was thankful that the lieutenant
WAS still another stable beyond, when
who should appear, walking rapidly
back from the bank where the horses
were watering, than Merriam himself.
Seeing inquiry in hhe captains eye, he
stepped quickly toward him.
MY wife isn't feeling a. all Well" he
explained, "and I'm excused in order 10
return to her"
Nothing serious, I hope said
Grafton. There, at least, was woman
he approved of.
Nothing that can understand, or
the doctor either" said Randy, anxious
". "She hasn't been like herself for
several days, and gets worse instead OF
better. l don't like to be away from
her, although Mrs Hayne is there a
great deal. bless her!"
I'm sorry-I'm douDly sorry, Mer-
riam," said Grafton, uncomfortably,
"for was on the point of asking you
TO come over and see Mrs. McLane about
a matter which is giving her deep
anxiety"
Merriam's face began to darken at
once, but he said no word.
Randy" continued Grafton, after
moments embarrassed pause, II know
it's asking great deal more than l
should care to do were in your place,
and I wouldn't ask 1t if didn't think it
might do good for all and do harm to
, none. You heard Of her sudden pros
fration the other nieh'' .:-4.is>
"Do you know-have you any idea Of
the cause?"
Not the faintest-No! I can't say
that. She got telegram, heard
"She did, and an answer was demand
ed and l had to read it and reply that
she was prostrated and couldn't an
swer herself, perhaps for days. I have
no right to tell you what was in the
| message, but she seems to need to see
| you. She says tomorrow say to-
| night" y s'*'"' -
For a moment no answer came. AT
last, with evident effort, Merriam spoke
III had promised myself never to see
her alone. 1t is due to my wife, If not
to mo- You know the relations that ex'
listed. Now Mrs. Merriam does not
like your guest"
Neither do l." interrupted Grafton,
stoutly, ~and I've an idea she'll 60 after
she's got,what--information you can
| give her.
And now Merrafnb face began to lose
its dark look and to- grow suddenly
pale do you mean that this telegram
has made-has anything to do with her
wish to see me?"
Everything, Merriam, according to
my belief, and if I could tell you what
it said / think you would not refuse
her" ,|s N.
Intently Merriam eyed the captain's
face as though burning with eagerness
to read his full meaning.
Every well, will come right after re-
treat. Surely Ave minutes ought to be
enough" he said at length, and ther
went thoughtfully homeward.
But retreat parade came within 81
short time after Grafton's return II
his quarters that his message to Mrs
McLane covered that lady with con
sternation. What! Meet Randy Mer
riam when she had less than 30 min
utes in which to dress! 1t couldn'
be thought of! When Merriam called