Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-10
CHAPTER xXXVII.
The Last Goodbye.

parently calm and composer. NeNei "
fore had 1 felt 50 completely dominated by
her womanly spirit, while her very pres
ence upon the field hushed in an instah.
the breathings of dispute. She never 50
much as glanced at either Brennan or my
self, but ignored us totally as she drew
near Daintily lifting her skirts to keep
them from contact with the weeds under
foot, her head poised proudly, her eyes
bit disdainful of it all, she paused before
Cation.
lieutenant" she questioned IN clear
tone which seemed to command an answer.
81 have always found you an impartiai
friend Will you kindly inform me as TO
the true meaning of all this?'
He hesitated, hardly knowing what TO re-
ply, but her imperious eyes were upon MN
they insisted, and he stammered lamely'
1.-TWO of the gentlemen, madam. We're
about to settle slight disagreement ny
means of the code.
Were about?' she echoed, scornful OF
all deceit surely heard shots as came
through the orchard?
lone fire has been exchanged, he re-
luctantly admitted.
and Cantain Wayne has been wounded!
was not aware until that moment that
she had even so much as notlceu my pres
ence.
VERY slightly, madam"
His opponent escaped uninJuredE
Cation bowed glanced uneasily toward
me. and then blurted forth, impulsively:
Captain Wayne fired in the air, ma dam.
She never glanced toward where STOOD,
vet I instantly marked the quick droop
of her eyes, the faint pink that over
spread her cheeks. This slight confusion,
unnoted save by the eyes OF love, was put
momentary still 1t was Sufi1c1ent. TO APP
prise me that she both understood ana
approved my action. ,
"A most delightful situation, surely,
she said, clearly and Sarcastlcally. Ohe
- had w o.
verted to barbarism, and that our boosted
civilization was but mockery Think OF
it," and the proud disdain In her face held
US, silent, mot six hours ago that mouse
yonder was the scene of a desperate bat
tie. Within it's blood-stained rooms men
fought and died, cheering in their agony
like heroes of romance. l saw there two
men battling shoulder to shoulder against
a host of Infatuated ruffians, seeking to
protect helpless women. They wore diff
ferent uniforms, they followed different
flags by the fortune of war they were
enemies yet they could fight and die In
defense of the weak. ! thanked God upon
my knees that l had been privileged to
know such men and coulc call them
friends. No nobler, truer. manlier deed at
arms was ever done! Yet, mark you, no
sooner is that duty over-Scarcely are
their dead comrades buried-when they
forget every natural instinct of gratitude,
of true manlineSS. and spring at each
others throats like two maddened beasts.
I care not what the cause may be-the
act is shameful and an insult to every
woman of this household Even al | came
upon the field voices were c1amOring for
another shot. in spite of the fact that one
man stood already wounded. War may be
eXcusabe but this is not war. Gentle
men, you have fired your last shot on this
field unless you choose to make me your
target.
/ would that I possessed a picture of
that scene-a picture which would show
the varied expressions of countenance as
those scornful words dashed US She stood
there as a queen might and commanded
an obedience no man among us burst re-
fuse Brennans flushed face paled and
his lips trembled as he sought to make
excuse.
But. Edith" he protested, you do not
know you do not understand. There are
wrongs which can be righted in no other
way"
Il do not care to know" she answered,
coldly nor do / ever expect to learn that
murder can right wrong"
Murder! You use strong terms The
code has been recognized for centuries
as the last resort of gentlemen.
THE code, Has it. indeed? What gen.
tIemen? Those of the south exclusively
of late. That might possibly pardon your
opponent, but not you, for you know very
well that in the north no man of any
standing would ever venture to resort to
it. Moreover, even the code presupposes
that men shall stand equal at it's BARI
am informed that Captain Wayne fired in
the air
He hesitated. feeling doubtless the use
lessness of further protest yet she per-
mitted him small opportunity for con-
sideration. Major" she said, quietly but
firmly, Il should be pleased to have you
escort me to the house"
These words, gently as they were
spoken, still constituted a command Her
eyes were upon his face, and doubt not
he read within them that he would forfeit
all her respect if he failed to obey. Yet
he 1-ia1f cd wifi limo
LAS it seems impossible to continue" he
admitted bitterly, Il suppose L may as wen
60" He turned and fronted me. his eyes
glowing. But understand, sir, this is mere
ly cessation, not an ending"
l bowed gravely, not daring to trust my
voice in speech, lest I should yield to the
temptation Of my own temper.
Captain Wayne" she said, glancing back
across his broad blue shoulder, and
thought there new quality in her
voice, the sting had some way gone out of
it, II shall esteem it kindness if you will
call upon me before you depart"
with pleasure" / FASTENED to reply. my
surprise at the request almost robbing me
of speech, but I shall be compelled TO
leave at once, as my troop is already UNI
der ORDERS
Il shall detain you for only a moment,
but after what you have passed through
on our behalf 1 unwilling you should
| depart without realizing our gratitude
You will find me in the library. Come,
Frank, I am ready now
We remained motionleSs watching them
until they disappeared around the corner
of the shed. Brennan walked with stern
face, his step heavy. she with averted
eyes, a slight smile of triumph curling her
lip Then Moorehouse stopped and picked
up the derringer the major had thrown
away.
by thunder, but she's right" he ex-
claimed emphatically. Il tell you that's a
mighty fine woman. Blame me, If she
didn't face us like a queen
No one answered. and without exchanging
another word we walked together to the
house. There / found the remnant of my
troop standing beside their horses, chatting
with a dozen idle Yankee cavalrymen who
We're lounging the wide steps.
The time had come when I must say n
final farewell and depart. Not the slightest
excuse remained for further delay. 1
dreaded the ordeal, but no escape was pos
sible, and 1 entered the house for what
well knew was to be the last time. Ny
mind was gravely troubled; 1 knew not
what to expect, how far I might venture to
hope. Why had she desired to see me
again? Surely the public reason she offered
could not be the real one. Was it to con-
fess that had won her heart, to show
me by scornful words her indignation at
my folly? What should 1 say. how could I
act in her presence? These and hundred
other queries arose to perplex me.