Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-14

little touch of proper, warlike spirit
 that on the generals previous visits he had never seemed to care whether
 he saw Mir. Hay or not.
 All this did Mrs. Dade accept with
 courteous. yet guarded interest
 They were seated in the little army
 parlor, talking in low tone; for, with unfailing tact, Mrs. Hay had asked for Esther, and expressed her sym pathy on hearing of her being un- nerved by the excitement through which they had passed. We'll she knew that Fields serious condition had not little to do with poor Els ther's prostration, but that was knowledge never to be hinted at. Dade himself she did not wish to meet just now. He was too direct a ques- tioner, and had said and looked things about Nanette that made her dread him. She knew that, however austere and commanding ne mIgnt be when acting under his own convictions, he was abnormally susceptible to uxorial views, and the way to win the cap tain's sympathies or avert his cen sure, was to secure the kindly inter- est of his wife. Mrs. Hay knew that he had sent couriers off by the Raw -lins road-a significant thing in itself and that couriers had come in from the north with further news from Webb. She knew he had gone to the office, and would probably remain there until summoned for breakfast. and now was her time, for there was something further to be spoken of, and while gentle and civil, Mrs. Dade had not been receptive. It was evi- dent to the traders wife that her lord and master had made a mistake in leaving when he did. He knew the general was on the way. He knew there was that money business to be cleared up, yet she knew there were reasons why she wanted him away reasons hardest of all to plausibly explain. There were reasons, indeed, why she was glad Nanette was gone.
 She was glad Nanette was gone, because Field, wounded and present, would have advantages over possible suitors absent on campaign-because all the women and few of the men were now against her, and because from some vague, intangible symp- toms, Mrs. Hay had satisfied herself that there was something in the wind Nanette was hiding from-her benefactress, her best friend, and it seemed like cold-blooded treachery. Hay had for two days been disturbed, nervous and unhappy, yet would not tell her why. He had been cross-ques- ioning Pete, "Crapaud" and other em- ployes, and searching about the premises in way that excited curi- osity and even resentment, for the explanation he gave was utterly in adequate. To satisfy her, if possible, he had confided, as he said, the fact that certain money for which Lieut.. Field was accountable, had been stolen. The cash had been carefully placed in his old-fashioned safe; the missing money. therefore, had been taken while still virtually in his charge. "They might even suspect me-" he said. which she knew would not be the case. "They forbade my speaking of it to anybody. but sim ply had to tell you" She felt sure there was something he was conceal ing; something he would not tell her; something concerning Nanette. there fore, because she so loved Nanette he shrank from revealing what might wound her, indeed, it was best that Nanette should go for the time, at least, but Mrs. Hay little dreamed that others would be saying-even this kindly. gentle woman before her that Nanette should have stayed until certain strange things were thoroughly and satisfactorily ex- plained.
 But the moment she began. falter- ing not . little, to speak of matters al the post, as a means of leading up to Nanette-matters concerning Lieut.. Field and his financial affairs 10 her surprise Mrs. Dade gently up- lifted her hand and voice. -I am go- ing to ask you not to tell me, Mrs. Hay" she said. Captain Dade has given me to understand there was something to be investigated. but preferred that l should not ask about it. Now. the general will be down in IS or 20 minutes. I suggest that we walk over to the hospital and see how Mir. Field is getting on. We can talk. you know. as we go. Then you will breakfast with us. Indeed, may not give you . cup of coffee now, Mrs. Hsy7-
 But Mrs Hay said 30. She had had coffee before coming. She would 20 end zee if there vas snything they could do for Field. and would try again to induce Mrs. Dsde to listen to certain of her explanations.
 Bat NrsL Dsde vas silent and pre- oeeupied she vas thinking of that story of Nanette's going. and uou- dsrinr uket-er it could be true. She wsz vonderinz if Mrs Hay kner the eosrisrs had gene to recall Hay. and fhst If he ard Nsoette failed to re-