The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-05-01
BLACK BUTTERFLIES.
How They Presaged Evil for the Girl WI
Loved Lieutenant Taunton.
By GwENDoL LEN Overflow.

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 1t all, a clang, roar, below of
thunder. The music hesitated for an
instant; for an instant there was
cessation Of movement and eXclama-
tions 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 great dark butter
fly that, in the rays Of artificial light,
seemed dead black, the omen of i'm
stant, dazzled and wind-beaten; flut-
tered and circled around, then, spread
ing its shadow wings, it floated stead
lily, relentlessly upon Taunton and the
girl beside him. She watched 1t with
parted lips and frightened eyes as 1t
came toward her out of the lightning
streaked night, and neither moved un-
til 1t sank and settled en- her light hair.
Then she threw up both arms and
brushed it off with heavy blow. The
creature of the night few 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.
We'll, play it If you can find the
music" the adjutant said coolly, then
wheeled about and followed the order
ly.
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 proprietorship 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 lcpk like that;
how silly of soldiers daughter!
tell you I'll be back in 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 I? Why, because I'm or
dered. But I've an order for you in
turn"
"Well2" She bent her fan and
worked her fingers nervcusly, still
leaning hard on his arm.
You must go with me instantly and
tell your father"
81 won't" she answered, with set
teeth.
"Why, but Lucia, you will if I say
So"
'T won't"
Then I'll do it alone"
"I can't stop you, but If you do l
shall hate you-as much as have
loved you"
But why? He must be told some
time. I'm in a fearful hurry. AS a
matter Of fact, I've no right to be here
now; If the c. o. catches me, I'll get
the dickens. Come along and tell
him"
'I said l wouldn't and won't"
what makes you so obstinate? It's
not like you"
Its like me sometimes. It's like
me when I'm afraid"
afraid OF what?"
''Of papa. wouldn't mind so dread
fully if you were here, but think it's
mean and cowardly of you to leave me
to bear the brunt of 1t all alone for
days and days. 1t might kill me. I'm
about worried to death now"
A tear dropped on Taunton's hand
and melted his firmness in moment
| IJa baoop IN plaad aPr1t TJ,oio he