Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-29

flashing Tn the eyes Of each. There was the sound of whisking drapery, a soft swish along stair and balcony rail, and in an instant Rosalie had darted to the landing and out of sight. A half smile, contemptuous and cutting, played about the confederate's lips. He gave no sign whatever that he had heard. He addressed himself to Ser. ton:
 T presume you have burned that note, sir, and therefore have nothing with which to back your statement, but take you at your word. You are ready to go, you say; be ready to start then at six in the morning.
 My dear major!" broke in Dr. Chii- ton Surely you''
 Those are my orders, doctor. l have no yolition, answered Louns- berry, coldly. And now if I may say adieu to Jack I'll leave you to such preparation as may be necessary. The guard will call for MT. Benton at six go myself to GordonsvilIe tonight.
 With that Maj. Lounsberry turned haughtily away, as though the possi- bility of further talk with 3 federal prisoner was something intolerable. The doctor, stunned and silent, looked help1essly from one to the other, and again it was Benton who spoke re- assuring word. Cordially he held forth his one free hand.
 Its all right, doctor" said he. You and Miss Chiffon have billed me round famously. I can stand Libby diet now just as well as anybody, and I'm bet ting on speedy exchanges. Then-our fellows will be doing something now," he added. with significant smile. ssWho knows but they may gather in game as big as that!" with laughing nod toward the resplendent major. Tor, is he, like so many of our staff, only for duty at the rear?' And Ben ton meant that Lounsberry should hear, and hear he did and flushed red under the taunt.
 Do not judge OUT methods by the little you know of yours, MT. Benton" he retorted, albeit with admirable self-control. Then, as though again determined to ignore the northerner, may be permitted a word with Lieut.. Chiffon, doctor?' question l which seemed to recall the doctor to himself and left Benton to his own l devices. Without another glance at i the unwelcome visitor. the latter turned and ascended the stairs to the second l story, and there, in the dim light of l night lamp, by the eastward window, stood the girl he longed to see and l speak with, and she who had avoided, now came half timidly forward as l though to. meet him.
 ] From the neighborhood of her aunt's door and her own, and close to the westward windows Rosalie Chiffon si- Iently led her captive soldier, and then l turned, her face. pale and sorrow stricken, her great dark eyes filling f with unshed tears. l "I have a confession to make, MT. 1 Benton, { said she, at length. "Do you think-it's easy for girl to say-she's l glad to find that she was. wrong? 2" Something has seemed to me very wrong of late" answered Benton, "so much so was glad to get away on l any terms, even to Libby. For what have been punished?'' 2
 eI shall tell you-frankly, she an- l swered, standing with downcast eyes I before him, her white hands loosely aclasping..si no you KnJw;ssI thoag t4I heard-that ycu were plotting with people outside to escape, and, father l being responsible for you, it seemed ungrateful-indeed dishonorabl ble''
 .'But what on earth have I said or done to warrant the belief? have talked with no one. communicated with no one, except that, after I had noted your cold and distant manner, there came this little unsigned note, saying that I was to be sent to Rich I mond. I have never answered it: I haven't an idea who sent it. I .But the note-'' and now she looked up eagerly, Syou have it-stil1?'' Burned it to ashes the hour it l camel" he answered.
 .But you saw who brought it--or who left it?"
 .I saw" he impulsively began, then stopped short. What right had he, Q l union soldier, to give information ! against some possible union lover in their midst, one who was seeking to be of service to him at that?
 "Oh, you needn't say!" cried Miss Chiffon. with curl of her lip. We know-at least know-the girl! What
 we heard, or at least heard, a week ago was that you-that they, that
 oh, can't explain-I can't go on!" she
 said, and now burning blushes, to his amaze, suffused her face and she cov-
 cred 1t with her hands.
 Then voices were heard below stairs the doctor showing the major from
 Jacks room to the door. ceremonious
 and courtly even when aggrieved.
 "He will wish to see me-perhaps
 you, too-at once" suddenly exclaimed
 Miss Chiffon, starting impulsively for
 ward. T just want to know that
 that what I now believe is true, and
 to be able to say so confidently to
 father and perhaps toto others. You
 had not thought of trying to escape
 so long as you were with us?' And fo1
 an instant the dark, glorious eyes