The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-12

loungers Barbara received Alice with an
aspect as on the day OF the Concord fight
Good morning. she said very shortly.
Am ] u congratulate your"
What rumor, thought Alice, had come to
her friend? She prepared for denial, You
have heard" she asked
That you are to live In the Hliery house"
Alice was relieved. $50 you know that7
Yes, tits true. You know George must sleep
in barracks now. Mrs. Drew, In panic at
the recent firing, declared she must return
to England, and ] could not live in the cot
tage alone. So much has one short lombard
ment done tor me, And did 1t trouble your
1T was welcome" answered Barbara, and
showed how nearly pretty mouth can look
grim. ,s
Alice recognized In Barbara the irrecon-
eilabis. and for the hrst time In months felt
the contact with that other life with which
she had so long been out OF touch. She
flushed and looked at Barbara with suddenly
dilating eyes.
"HoW changed you arel" she cried.
And you" returned Barbara, ''are very
much changed indeed. You are not the giri
! used to know. am disappointed. Ai!cs."
Alice's generous soul was at once ready
for repentance. What could she have done?
Barbara saw her wonder.
y came here" she said. 80 that you
should speak to me-"
"You wished to tell me sonaething7" asked
| Alice, XII
Frank is very WELL" remarked Barbara.
"Hs has been absent from the camp; but
he is well, my brother writes me"
"Bafbara!" cried Alice. z
THAT is what came to say" said Bar
bara. and this as we'll. Who stands there
waiting for your" - 49,
'"Tis Captain Sotheran." said Alice.
| "This, Is why am disappointed in you,'
declared Barbara. f.-5.a
She shot the words out energetically, then
pressed her lips together. challenging reply
| Alice felt her cheeks warm and the instinct
| for saif-defense rose up within her.
II do not understand you," she said.
| "You understand me perfectly" contra.
dieted Barbara. Excuse me. am not 6
Iondoner; am from the provinces. There
was no humility in her: she said 1t proudly
"But If you wish me to speak moro clearly,
will. When you can have Frank. you tak'
fthat man. And he is ibad!' .a-
"No" cried Alice. So 49,. .s-.....~.
| "Hs 10 bad" affirmed Barbara. 1T is II
his face You saw 1t once; you are used to i
now. know what am saying, He Is bad ,
Barbara" said Alice. hastily. II canno
stay"
'sIs It too later" asked Barbara. "Is he ss
| much your friend? am sorry. But let ma
say one word. Frank Ellery would not hatt
worthy rival. And he hates your captain.
| Atc9 Stood StllI, ler race CurnSd away 4SoA
| Barbara, but her shoulders said ''go on.
1--WE never spoke OF him but once" sadt
Barbara, quickly following her advantage. 90
asked the question:: What kind of man !:
Captain Sotheran?' Frank looked black, ant
this ia what he said: The man Is not at te
| live" a. .r. 49,. :. -
alice still stood with averted face. Barbara
oane step nearer. 5a..>-. ...
at is not that Frank should be disappointed
l., 1ayo - cha said Hthat T yaara I know 1t is
not SO very hard But that you should love
unwerthily, as---''t She paused.
'.As you7" asked Alice. turning on hea
quickly. .You rnean~-a British soldier7"
Barbara redeemed. 'Your captain Is wait
ing" she said. and fed. f