Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-05-25
NJ a G G / e S II e a / t

\
he has to go TO mess to dinner. l thinl
ne said; but, however, he left us as W.
! came in"
And so no more is said, only Mrs. Chol
| mondely cannot help wishing she haG
| told him all. and feels a vague present.
ment Of evil for which she cannot ac
count
Meanwhile Ernest had driven home
with his mind full Of the conversation
he had with his mother. Who was this
young girl. introduced so mysteriously
into the family? He seemed to have
some recollection of her features, though
where or under what circumstances, he
could not tell Would his mother re-
ceive her as his wife? She seemed very
fond Of her, and he remembered now
how tenderiy she had spoken of her at
that dinner when she was first men
toned
But his conversation with Mrs. Choi-
mondely had left a very disagreeable i'm
p ession on his mind, and he could not
forget that he had never as yet breath
ed word of love to Maggie herself.
So he was not in good spirits tonight;
and the noisy welcome he received from
some of the young and rollicking officers
Jared painfully on bis temper
II was a very gay mess. There was
the usual amount Of chat going forward;
and presently Major Denville. who is a
guest tonight, and is nuch esteemed by
the youngsters for his ponderous wit
and equally heavy jokes. begins on his
usual snbject--Women. beautiful women.
II is very distostcful to Ernest tonight
to hear the hippant jet and criticism.
1t has always been a trait in his charac-
ter, lofty and chivalrous regard for
women, and remembering the party he
has just left, it is doubly so now. What
DO you say, chum, about little Bellairs,
eh
Nothing" said Ernest, coolly and
pointedly.
Ask him what he thinks of the dark
beauty with the red rband in her hair,
he meets on the quiet" roars Major Mel
FISH, of his own regiment.
Whats that, Maori say half
score Of men. Let's have the story"
The story-the story" cry chorus
OF voices.
STAY said Ernest, rising and speak
ing in a loud, ringing voice. Il don't
choose to have a story made OF it. That
lady is not a fit subject to be the heroine
OF mess story, and viii thank Major
Mellish not to mention the subject
again"
oh, hear him.-hear Eimr' says the
Major joyousIy. w have focud 81 vui-
nerable point at last. He is jealous
actually Jealous enough to lose his tenn
per-
Ernest has not seated himself again,
but is losing command of himself very
fast, as can be seen by the white face.
But the fun is too fast and furious for
close observation; and so, when silence
is a little restored. the Major begins.
"As l was saying. gentlemen. a dark
beauty with red riband. suspiciously like
this,' says the Major, holding up little
piece of cherry colored riband that has
accidentally fallen from Ernest's breast.
"Oh, ohr' is again the general chorus.
amidst a Shut Of laughter.
Ernest at this had forgotter every
thing but his mad passion. He had
sprung forward and snatched it roughly
from the Majors hand. Coward. Seoun-
teeth: and then there had been a mad,
singing blow struck, aud the two men
stood looking at each other yengefully
with flashing eyes.
There was a Fush to separate them.
aGd a dozen imploring voices begged
them 20 shake hands, and regretting the
foolish jocks. Major Mellish is perfectly
calm. only -ery pale. and with a cold,
cruel look in his steel blue eyes: and
presently he whispers, Major Denville."
The latter shakes his head decidedly,
and says gruffiy. NO, no, Nellish; am
sorry | can't oblige you-bnt l can't
do that"
II want just one word with Capisin
Cholmondely, says the Major. smiling,
"and then there need be no further UNI
pleasantness in the matter" and he
comes up and says, Can you spare me a
few moments, Captain CholmondeIyY
Certainly" replies Ernest, with alac-
rity, and the two men go outside for
few moments. They look at each other
steadfastly and fearlessly, and the Major
speaks.
II have preferred 70 speak TO you my
self" said the Major, suavely. rather
than send a friend to you: it is much
shorter. and more to the purpose As you
you either make formal apology to me
before the mess, or fight me-"
"Duels are rather out OF date now, :"
returned the Captain, coldIy. But | de-
cline TO make the slightest apology.
will fight you, Where is il to be?"
The Major looks at his watch careful
~. and then at the still night, and says
There is plenty of time; not a breath
of wind. VIII the sands at Calais suit
you? Say daybreak tomorrow. We can
easily catch the midnight service"
They go back presently. and leave
soon Ernest takes of his uniform that
he will never wear again. aud puts on a
rough pike jacket; and by and By. as
the steam packet pIoughs its way through
the Channel. there are four strange pas
seusers aboard, very quiet and silent.
and looking into the dark waters mood,
lily. and sieaking in huShed whispers
Their destination is Calais Sands
time, dayhrcak.
CHAPTER Xxx.
II comes. the signal a monotonous,
cold voice repeats. One, two three
fire." Then a quick movement. two