The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1907-05-10
BLACK BUTTERFLIES. U.s.
How They Presaged Evil for the Girl Who !
Loved Lieutenant Taunton.
BY NDoLEN ovERroN.
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value Of the background of the picture.
At the hops, too, they danced together
great deal of the time and made no
secret of their infatuation. Captain
Rossini looked savage and Mrs. Ros-
SIM was manifestly uneasy, but an open
scene was not to be thought of, public
opinion being against the parents.
There were bad half hours and fearful
nights for Lucia after each defiance,
but there was more sweet in Taunton's
love than bitter in her fathers fury.
And so it happened that the long
notes Of the Santiago were bearing
the two onward with the other dancers,
snatches of singing, of laughter, and of
conversation sounding with the music,
until they broke in suddenly, drown
ing it ALL d clang, roar, a below of
thunder. The music hesitated for an
instant; for an instant there was a
cessation of movement and exclama-
tons Of fear; then the bright figures
swayed on and the chatter was re-
sumed and the damp cool wind of
summer shower blew over them while
the rain beat down on the roof and
ground.
But Taunton's eyes had lost, some
how, the lock of perfect content; the
girls head was farther away from his
shoulder, and the swing had gone from
their step. They stopped by an open
window to let the fresh wind blow over
them. There came a sudden gust
which waited in a great dark butter
fly that, in the rays CT artificial light,
seemed dead black, the omen of i'm
pending harm. 1t fluttered for an in
slant dazzled and wind-beaten: fut-
tered and circled around, then, spread
ing its shadow wings, it floated stead
lily, relentlessly upon Taunton and the
girl beside him. She watched it with
parted lips and frightened eyes as it
came toward her out of the lightning
streaked night, and neither moved UNI
til it sank and settled ON her light hair.
Then she threw up both arms and
brushed it off with heavy blow. The
creature of the night flew out into the
storm again with a dropping wing
An orderly crossed the hop-rCom to
the adjutant, who was speaking to the
band-master, but none of the listening
ears could hear the soldiers message.
well, play it if you can find the
music, the adjutant said coolly, then
wheeled about and followed the order
| ~.
He was back again in ten minutes,
speaking hurriedly to Taunton. Taun-
ton answered, bowed his head, and,
turning away, crossed the room to
where Captain Rossini stood with his
daughter.
"Good-evening, captain" he said,
and waiting for no reply, put his hand
on Lucia's arm and drew her aside
with an air Of proprietorshtp that left
| the father aghast
Lucia, listen, dear I've hardly
! time for even this good-by. Don't look
so frightened; it amounts to nothing.
Some trouble over at the agency that
makes it necessary for me to go up
there instantly with a detachment
You know there has been expectation
Of trouble for some time My dear
child, you must not look like that;
how silly of soldiers daughter!
tell you I'll be back in. a few days. If
you are going to faint, come out in the
air; the rain has stopped"
She took his arm and let him drag
her out upon the steps. The music
came to them from within and smoth-
cred the sound of their voices
Marion, you aren't going to go
away? How can you, how can your"
she said, in a whisper
"How can /? Why, because I'm or
dered. But I've an order for you in
turn"
"well?" She bent her fan and
worked her fingers nervously, still
leaning hard on his arm.
"You must go with me instantly and
tell your father"
Il won't" she answered, with set
teeth.
"Why, but Lucia, you will if say
So"
Il won't"
Then I'll do it alone"
81 can't stop you, but if you do
shall hate you-as much as | have
loved you"
"But why? He must be told some
time. I'm in a fearful hurry. AS
matter of fact, I've no right to be here
now; if the c. 0. catches me, III get