Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-16
CHAPrER xv-continued.

scene and feeling deeply the intoxication
Of the moment, my eyes were eagerly
searching that happy throng for sight of
one fair woman's face. Strange as 1t must
seem to others. in spite OF the fact
that to meet her might mean betrayal
and death-ay! might even result In the
destruction of an army-in my weakness
secretly longed for just such happening;
felt, indeed, that must again see her, have
speech with her, before went forth alone
into the manifold dangers of the night. 1t
was enthusiastically In very truth
yet such was the secret yearning of my
heart. II I could only once know. know
from her own truthful lips, that she al
ready belonged to another, could, be-
lieved, tear her image from my memory;
but while yet doubted (and in spite Of all
I had heard I doubted stilD. no desperate
case should ever prevent my seeking her
with all the mad ardor of love, no faint
ness of heart should intervene between us.
That she was present I knew from those
chance words overheard in the chimney;
and my one deep hope ever since / donned
that federal uniform and ventured down
the stairs "a hope most oddly mingled with
dread was that we might In some manner
be brought together. I was yet vainly
seeking glimpse of her among the many
who circled past. when was suddenly re-
Cdtleu u tue eAtTeUuc QcuCdCy VI lily Situ-
alton by the deep voice Of the major asking
me direct question:
DO you ever dance, co1onel?"
Exactly what may have replied know
not, but 1t was evidently translated as an
affirmative. for in another moment I was
being piloted down the side of the long
room, while he gossiped in my rather mat
tentive ear.
LAS you have doubtless remarked, colonel.
we are extremely fortunate in our ladies
tonight By Jove. they would grace an In
auguration ball at Washington. So many
officers wives have Joined us lately, sup
posing we would make a permanent camp
here, and besides there are more loyal fam
lilies in this neighborhood than we find usu-
ally At least their loyalty is quite appar-
rent while we remain. Then the general
hospital nurses are not especially busy-no
battle lately, you knOw-and there are
some deuced pretty girls among them. Ball
room looks nice, don you think?'
most excellent TASTE"
Entirely the work of the staff Great
pity SO many were compelled to be absent,
but du soldier can never tell Here on spe
Il brought dispatches from the President
to General Sheridan"
Wish you might remain with us perma-
nently. Your command I believe Is not
connected with our eastern army?"
No, with Thomas in the Cumberland"
All, yes; had some very pretty fighting
out there, I UNDERSTANDABLE. pardon me,
Colonel Curran of General Halleck's staff
The colonel believe, is as able a dancer as
he is soldier, and no higher compliment
to his abilities could possibly be paid Miss
MINOR. colonel is native Virginian who Is
present under protest, hoping doubtless to
capture some young officer, and thus
weaken the enemy"
Ibowed pleasantly to the bright-eyed young
woman racing me. and not sorry to escape
the majors inquisitiveness at once begged
for the remainder of the waltz The reu1Iest
was laughingly granted, and in another mo-
ment We were threading our Way amid fine
numerous couples upon the floor She
proved so delightful dancer that 1 simply
yielded myself up to the full eniov-
ment. OF the measure and conversa-
ton lapsed. until sudden Cessation of
the music left US stranded so close to the
fireplace that the very sight of it brought
a vivid realization of my perilous position.
II !! haa NOT, my companions chance re-
mark most assuredly would
HOW easily you waltZn she said enthu-
sastlcaiiy her sparkling eyes and flushed
e enc testifying to her keen. enjoyment.
with that 1 have become fearful of ven
turing upon the floor with a stranger How
ever, shall always be glad to give you a
character to any of my friends
Il sincerely thank you" 1 returned in the
same spirit land 1 can certainly return
the compliment most heartily 1t Is SO
long since was privileged to dance with a
lady tn that l confess to having felt decidedly
awkward at the start. but your step proved
SO accommodating that I became at once
at home and enjoyed the waltz immensely.
fall to discover any seats In the room or
I should endeavor to find one vacant for
you"
ooh, am not in the least tired" She
was looking at me with so deep an ex-
dimly wondered at 1t.
Did +! understand rightly" she asked,
playing idly with her fan. that Maj Mon
soon introduced you to me as Col. Curran
What the deuce am I up against now?
thought, and my heart beat quickly. Yet
retreat was impossible, and I answered
with assumed carelessness:
Il am, most aSSuredly, Col Curtan"
From Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me with
q vengeance, and 1 stole one quick glance
picion, merely evincing a polite interest.
II have the honor of commanding the
9th Artilley Regiment from that state"
You must pardon me; colonel, for my
sparkled with demure mischief. yet can
not quite understand. I was at school in
Connecticut with a Miss Curran whose
father was an officer Of artillery from
Ohio, and, naturally, I at once thought of
her when the major pronounced your name;
yet it certainly cannot be you-you are al
together too young, for Myrtle must be
eighteen"
I laughed, decidedly relieved from what
feared might prove most awkward
situation.
well, yes. Miss Minor. am indeed some
what youthful to be Myrtle's father" I
said at a venture, "but might serve as her
brother, you know, and not stretch the
point of age over-much."
She clasped her hands on my arm with a
gesture of delight.
"Oh, am SO glad; I knew Myrtle had a
brother, but never heard he also was in the
army. Did you know. colonel she was in
tending to come down here with me when
I returned south, at the close of our school
year, but from some cause was disappoint-
ed. How delighted she would have been to
meet you! I shall certainly write and tell
her what a splendidly romantic time we
had together. You look so much like
Myrtle I wonder failed to recognize you
at once"
She was rafting on without affording me
the slightest opportunity to slip in a word
explanatory, when her glance CHANGED to
fall upon some one who was approaching
us through the throng.
oh by the way, colonel, there is another
Of Myrtle's old schoolmates present tonight
"a most intimate friend. indeea. who would
never forgive me II permitted you to go
without meeting her.
She drew me back hastily.
Edith" she said, touching the sleeve OF
young woman who was slowly passing,
Edith, wait just moment, dear; this is
Colonel C.urran-Myrtle Curran's hrothar