The Iola register., 1901-08-02

Pardon me a moment. l know what
others do not. Knowing you but as
private soldier, what would be the YER
diet of the official circles were it TO be-
come a matter of gossip that the
daughter of the commanding officer
was in the habit of meeting you on
terms of social equalityp 1t would be
looked upon almost as crime 10y those
who regard the social barrier between
official circles and the ranks as i'm
pregnable. Now, my friend, with all
candor will say to you that hold Mr..
Edward Thornton in the highest es-
TEEN and feel honored with his friend
ship. Ibelieve him to be my equal in
everything that goes to make up true
manhood and womanhood, and entire
ly worthy of my highest regard. But
us long as he is unfortunately com
PEELED to move in sphere of hfe be-
meath that In which am placed must
not allow my regard for the gentleman
TO overstep the line drawn by the hand
of propriety and myself descend to his
temporary level | think ! have cor
rectly interpreted your nature, my
good friend, and l believe you would
suffer any personal disappointment
cheerfully rather than in the least
degree compromise myself or draw upon
me the rebuke of my friends. Do you
not think it best that we should see
less of each other?"
"Miss Sanford" he replied, II fully
appreciate the stand you have taken,
and your action increases my regard
for you. II has occurred to me at
times that by evincing a friendship for
one far beneath you in the social scale
you might be chided by your friends
for disregarding the rules of military
etiquette. would suffer as keenly as
yourself were you to be in the least
compromised by your association with
me. Am | to understand, then, that
the meetings which have afforded me
so much pleasure are to be discon-
tinucd?"
Not altogether. l trust we may
meet at times and that we will remain
good friends The day will come Mr..
Thornton, perhaps sooner than we eX-
pect, when you will cast aside your
soldier character and reenter your
proper sphere in life, and when it does
come hope to yet be numbered among
your friends. | will at times be pleased
to see your sketches, and, believe me,
though propriety demands a less dis
play of friendship, yet hold you in
the highest esteem and will do all
consistently can to tighten the load
You bear. But we are nearing papa.
viii you sketch tomorrow? think
VIII take ride down the Mesa trail. '
u will, Miss Sanford, at my old rock
seat. Before we part I must express
my thanks and gratitude TO you ior
this conversation. My heart win be
lighter, for though may hut seldom
see you, ! will feel that you are my
friend God bless you.'
THANK you, Mr. Thornton. Why,
how pleasantly papa is smiling That
meunsa rood-ngtured sculGiug for me-
AHA, YOU little truant." the colonel
cried. "Yourtastes are very eccentric.
must saw. Miss SUNSHINE. You ran
away from your old ogre of father Z
accent the attentions Of a vourg ot..,pr
then discard him for private soldier
of better looks and. damrue. must say
more soldierly bearing. thought vou
would lever pct TO me. Won rode sc
slowly with your new escort"
80. papa, nv poor pony was so tiret
] could not push him. This is Private
Brown, the Young artist of whom tolc
you"
Private Brown, eh? Ohio! see 4
now. This is the Young man who wa,
recently brought to nv attention
through the proceedings of a court
martial. and / can understand VIII,
Vandever cut and run when he saw
him approaching. He feared the man
temper might again lose step. and til,
dose be repeated. Eh. Spnshine?"
20. no. papa. Mr. Vandever did no
know the Young man was opproachin,
us. He chose TO return to the fort b,
another route. that is all"
That's all, 0h? Well, you don
know whether he saw him or not
! am inclined to think he did. Blu
now for home This Unsuitable, unrea
sonable, tyrannical appetite of min
demands immediate attention. thanl
you. Brown. for the trouble | put yol