The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1907-05-18

! Too busy gardening" and Madge
hurried away. Sylvia wrote a formal
invitation
Captain Burton had just returned
from early parade, and sat down to his
Irea ,itast ard his letters.
What's this?" he queried. taking I'D
q creamy envelope, with faint odor
" violets. Another Of these invita-
ticls, suppose. Bother the women.
Well. l'ln---''
burtons eyes grew round with
anazement as he re-read the nlissive
before him.
My Dear Captain Burton-Your let
ter surprised me very much, for, though
cont heip feeling battered by your
c:Ier, fear | could never, never give
,5oa the answer you desire. | am so
| sorry il | have ever given you reason
~ expect different one | like you
ever 50 much as a friend, but anything
else "Culd be quite, quite impossible,
could never marry without love, and
perhaps it is only right to tell you-
/ ~ str.ctest confidence, OF course-that
tnere IS some one else very dear to
ne, though cruel fate keeps Us apart.
SYLVIA"
| With a thoughtful air the captain
consigned the letter to his pocket.
If any of these youngsters are at
! Inc bottom Of this he said to him
self, at least they won't have the sat-
| lsfact.on of thinking they've curled my
| hair But she writes a nice hand, does
Sylvia. though she won't have me at
| any price.'
It was lovely afternoon for the
officers first ''at home of the season;
their fair friends had assembled in new
summer frochs, the regimental band
was playing, and fun and filtration
were in the air
The fascinating Maisie Turner lad
apparently relented of her cruelty; for
she smiled on Captain Burton. A lit
tie way Off. her blue eyes dreamy as
ever, stood Sylvia Glennie in white
serge gown. Burton's glance strayed to
her
Rather nice looking girl" he
thought; forget who she is; nothing
OF the garrison hack about her, l
should say"
Il say, Sylvia, 90 come along, we are
all waiting for you!" Archie Trevor
shouted, and the captain save lit
tie start.
So that was Sylvia!
Can you tell me that young lady's
name?" he interrupted Miss Turner's
smart talk to ask.
Here Mrs. GienIie, an enthusiastic
gardener, tore herself away from an
animated discussion on the best soil
Tor begonias to address Burton.
You are dining with us tomorrow
evening, l hope?' she asked Il de-
puted my daughter to send you an in
yitation"
You were very kind, but fear there
mas been some mistake; l have received
none, or should have sent reply
How very odd. But Sylvia is SO I'M
practical; perhaps she forgot to have
it posted. Still, if you have no other
engagement
The woman hater hesitated just
second; then, Il shall be delighted to
come" he said, gravely.
Captain Burton took up his menu and
studied it attentiyely. The handwriting
was necessarily small, nut its forma-
ton was familiar Next to him sat Syl-
via in pale blue gauze. She had been
rather silent neighbor.
Miss Glennie," he asked, do you
make it rule not to talk to the man
whose privilege it is to take you in to
dinner"
Il am SO sorroy," she said, as she
looked around at himsin surprise. Il
thought you did not care to talk-to
iadies!'
THAT is rather a sweeping accusa-
ton. And excellent as Mrs. Glennie's
chef is, a little conversation between
the courses is at least an aid to diges-
ton"
Il don't know" her soft eyes spark
led mischievously, that l care to con-
verse as an aid to Captain Burtons d.
gestion. And am afraid she added
meditatively. that l never have very
much to say"
Perhaps your thoughts were other
He drew letter from his pocket. Did
you ever discover where my invitation
had gomez"
"Oh!" The color rushed over her
face. THAT was too bad of me! found
it this morning Nnder some papers on
my table. 1t was dreadfully careless!