The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1906-04-13

Didn't every girl want to be told over
and over again that she was the most
adorable creature in the world?" Mar
gerry whispered to herself. She had now
made up her mind that she would stick
to her No if it killed her. Furthermore,
when he came to say goodbye she would
show him that he was not the only
soldier in the world.
| Lieutenant Bates was one of the
youngest and most popular officers in
the army. The prospect of active service
after months of barrack duty was allur-
ing and his heart beat faster every time
the thought came to him that probably
here at last was an opportunity for him
to distinguish himselfat the front. Only
one thing marred his enthusiasm tand
that was Margery. IFS butts and
girls! How they have made history
So all of that day passed. In the even
ing some of the young people came over
to Major keene's but Bates failed to ap-
pear.
BUSY packing" said Somers when
somebody asked for him.
"Well, it seems to me if L were in his
place and were the only officer ordered off
I'd come around and get myself lionized,'
and Katherine MARKHAM looked very
much disguised.
Margery banged the piano until her
fingers nearly dropped off. Three times
Bates fairly ran past the Majors that he
might not yield the temptation to go in.
But the hours wore away and when
the new day dawned Margery awakened
a very unhappy but determined young
person.
When Lieutenant Bates began his
round of farewell calls Margery saw him
from her window overlooking the parade
ground Her little head went back in
defiance and her batteries were ready to
be turned on the enemy at his approach.
When he comes in
But that was just what he failed to do,
for on meeting her father, Major Keene,
at the gate, the two proceeded down the
row together. Stung to the quick by his
manifest avoidance of her, Margery de-
termined to go with the others to see the
boys off and to give MIR. Bates the mic
est, coolest goodbye he ever got" Other
officers were to join the regiment at the
train, and as they were all her friends.
she determined to take advantage of this |
| last opportunity. So over to the Colo |
nels Margery trooped an hour later, try |
ing hard to make herself believe that she |
didn't care any more for Mr.. Bates than |
! for the army buckle on her belt.
The train was made up and the engi |
neer waited the signal to start. From |
every window soldier head protruded, |
for the men had been ordered aboard I'M
mediately upon their arrival at the |
yards.
Mother, wife, sister and sweetheart, |
multiplied into throng, swarmed up
and down the platform, each in search of
| particular head. The post band banged |
away at popular tunes as farewell to
the boys-as bright, jolly and happy a
lot as ever donned the khaki.
The men who had received orders for
the Philippines were lording it over their
companions, who by ruling of the de-
partment were compelled to wait for
later orders. Every time stay. at home
hove in sight he was made the target for
a volley of chaff about his status as
son of Mars.
"Hi there, Billy" called out tousled-
headed soldier from one of the windows
to another strolling by. They'll never
send you to the Island. The Pinos would
ketch you first thing"
They'll never ketch you if you kin run
fast enough" said Billy.
Three cheers for Loot'na Bates"
somebody howled as the tall young Off
Ger hurried past A flush rose to the
roots of his hair when he touched his
campaign hat in acknowledgement of the
three lusty cheers that rang through
the yard. Bates was popular with his
men, and his detail had much to do with
their good nature in leaving for the Phi
lippines.
Every thing was in confusion. Shouts
of Goodbye" mingled with the laughter
and tears from many hearts. Officers
hurried here and there getting things in
readiness to start, and when the young
people from the post elbowed their way
through the crowd, Bates was nowhere
to be found.
He failed to materialize as starting
time drew near, and it was decided to in
stitute a search for him. Margery was
not the only post girl who had been cast
ing sleeps eyes at the young officer, and
while she absolutely refused to move,
saving she would wait for them to re-
turn, she could not view the other girls
solicitude with composure.
"You people go ahead" said Margery,
land I'll stay here. I'm absolutely so
tired can't go another step"
20, don't be unsociable, Margery, come
on" they urged, but Margery was OBJ
durate.
"Tll go over there with Mrs. Brooks
and Captain Stiles she said, and then
you can find me when you come back"
"All right" they said and off they
, went.
Instead of seeking Mrs. Brooks and
Captain Stiles, Margery stayed just
where they had left her, and there she
was when Bates, lodging here and there
through the crowd, almost knocked her
| down.
81 beg your pardon, Miss-Margery!"
. he gasped.
eyes" she said, looking about her in
evident confusion.
, pardon my awkwardness, but-where
) are the folks? I've been looking all over
for them"
They're looking for you, too" said
Margery. Il was just going"
r "Going? Where? ?
: Home
t "Surcly," said Bates, You were going
E to wait and see the fellows off,"
' "Well, I've said goodbye to all of them
4 but you-so now l guess-Ill 60" and a
: little hand futtered out to him. Hetook
z it, and as he raised his big campaign hat
t with the other, Bates was at loss just
what to say.
1 sI. +Lo+ Ill 2u he ,,1soJad GIWbat ha We