The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-12-23

yours, Norman-the pride that makes
you think all women are head over
ears in Wait half a-(runs off ~.
Norman-No-don't go. I'll come
and dance. Tll-oh hang, he's bring
ing her back
(Enter Marley, with Muriel Wilton.
She is a pretty little woman, with
charming girlish manner)
Marley Ito Muriel)--I think you've
met Capt. Norman before, Muriel?
Norman (awkwardly) Wilton
has had the pleas-I mean have had
the pleasure err - the pleasure
(They bow, smiling).
Manley Ito MurieD-Do you think
you can amuse wounded warrior,
Muriel, until | come back to take him
off your hands. He doesn't dance be-
cause he's wounded-that's what he
says-but it's only an excuse for lazi-
ness.
Muriel-I am sure Capt. Norman
couldn't be lazy. A man who has done
-(Manley and Norman exchange
meaning glances)-er-who has done
Ia six-mile walk by himself this aft
ernoon doesn't deserve to be called
lazy. (Manley goes out, Norman looks
rather gloomy)
Manley-I retire-conquered exit
l.. Muriel and Norman sit DOWN.
Norman didn't see you during my
walk this afternoon, Miss Wilton.
Muriel-Nol Well, you see, l was
learning to ride a bicycle. OF course
l ought to have learnt years ago
|whenitw was fashionable-but wouldn't
begin then.
Norman-Just because you didn't
want to do the conventional thing. Ell?
Murisl--I don't know l am afraid |
never stopped to think about it.
haven't thought about anything ex-
cept the bicycle since had it. l can't
lit takes up all my time
Norman-But how was it you didn't
overtake me this afternoon if you were
riding?
Muriel-Excuse me. didn't say
was riding. l said I was learning to
ride. That's quite different, and makes
you very tired.
Norman-I'm sorry you didn't catch
me up. might have helped you.
Muriel-Thanks. | did nearly catch
you up once, and rang my bell hard
SO hard in fact, that ! I'd to get off
my machine to do it = perly; but
you didn't look round. You were deep
in thought
Norman-Yes, | was. You know in
Splogerton, where l live, there was
such a crush when our fellows came
home that they couldn't march, and
they asked me to devise some scheme
for keeping the women-the people
back when the next contingent arrives.
/ was thinking out plan this after
noon.
Muriel-Are the women such ter
rible nuisance, then?
Norman Well-er-yes- i'm
pulsive, you know. Break up the ranks.
All that, sort of thing.
Muriel-Poor womenl I'm glad I'm
not like that.
Norman-It isn't right, you know.
Muriel-No. | can understand that
a man who has-er-received a kiss
from woman without asking for it,
might-er- mistake the impulse of the
moment or-er-something else. That
would be pity.
Norman-Don't you think it usually
is-er-something else when soldiers
are concerned?
Muriel-Most decidedly not Soldiers
mustn't run away with that idea.
Women are grateful and enthusiastic,
and rather hysterical. That's ALL
They are certainly not in love with
the soldiers they rave over.
Norman-You don't think so?
Muriel--Sure of it.
Norman getting trifle nearer Mu-
riel, and speaking in lower tone)-
Is it possible, Miss Wilton, that the
enthusiasm we have heard so much
about is not real?
Muriel-Not all of it. I've no doubt
some of it is. If you have brother
or-a-husband, you naturally feel
glad to see him back safe and sound:
but then | haven't brother-or hus.
band--in the ARMY mean l haven't
a brother-and, of course, you know
-(their eyes meet, and she bushes
furiously)
Norman-Yes, it must be nice to
have some one looking out for you
when you come blackstone one who
really cares-some one
Muriel-But l thought you had
sister, Capt Norman?
Norman-Oh, but sisters don't count
they look out for some one else's
brothers, | suppose.
MurieE That's not fair on the sis
tiers.
Norman-oh, but they do.
Muriel-Well, the next time there's
a war, and you go out, I'll look out for
you when you come back.
NOMINATION. will? That's good of
you to say that.
Muriel-Is it? From what I've heard,
] thought that
Norman-Yes?
Misunderstanding know mean
that Cooking on the ground) was told
there were others who-er-looked out
for you this time, and l thought
p'raps-
Norman-I'm going to ask you to do
something. You've told me you're not
in love with soldiers. / want you