Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-01-31


ing. II was a letter-a letter from the
colonial office, asking if papa could rec
ommend an intelligent officer for the post
of military governor to some tiny. bar
barous island in the Sorth Seas, or some
whereof
Capt. Wayne laughed @That cannot
in any way affect me" said he. @The
general is the very last person who would
place my name under such fattering
heading
But he has," persisted Edith. HE
wrote underneath that he could strongly
recommend Capt, the Hon. Frederick
AIayne of the South Surrey regiment. for
the above position. An officer he add
ed, .eminolitly qualified for an admins
trative post"
He wants to get rid of me, them said
Capt. Mayne, with tug at his mus
tache.
Yes" agreed the young lady wistfully.
What are we to do2" asked the officer
anxiously.
I'm sure don't know" said she de-
murely
q can refuse to go" declared he de-
terminedly.
That would ruin your career. would
it not ~ she asked.
1T would be good post, Tn surc.'
said he, rejecting "but / won't take it
without YOU"
"Your last sentence has suggested to
my mind a brilliant idea Mamma can
carry it out. Mamma can do ANYTHING"
what is it?' he asked.
Just wait" said she, ''till after Lady
Grossmore's reception. The colonial sec
rotary is sure to be there. And--oh, you
just wait !"
Lady Grossmore's reception was one of
the most brilliant functions of the sea
son. Cabinet ministers, field marshals.
peers and peeresses were to be seen chat
ting gaily with labor leaders, artists, and
even with humble authors. Gen. Sir
George Morrant was pouring into the
sympathetic ear of retired admiral his
gloomy forebodings respecting the future
Of the army, and Lady Morrant was
speaking in motherly way to young
official in the colonial office. Edith stood
as far apart from the chatting groups as
she possibly could, and watched with
anxious eyes the face of her mothers
companion. She noted his every change
of expression, and when she saw him
laugh outright and glance in her direc-
ton, her Heart jumped with joy She
knew her mother had won.
well, of all the objections that | have
ever heard of. or read of exclaimed
Gen. Morrant furiously, "this one surely
caps them: / used to think war office
red tape pretty stiff to deal with, but
this-this colonial Office patterns; bah
Whoever heard of such thing? Z re-
greet to state, reading from an official
letter which he held in his hand, "that
through an oversight, omitted to men
ton that, for various social reasons. the
military governor of Victoria island
should be a married man. As your nomi-
nee, Capt. Mayne, at present does not
fulfill this requirement, his appointment
is hereby Cancelled unless within a lin
tied period Bahl" roared the gem
eral again, breaking off and finging the
letter on the table.
What's the matter, dear?'' asked his
wife quietly, as she glidcd into the room.
They have Cancelled Mayne's appoint
ment because he hasn't a wife!"
THAT can easily be reme--'
did you ever hear of such a thing?"
he roared
Never" she responded. Then feeling
ly: 1T will be great disappointment
Eto poor Fred, he was so thankful YOU
had recommended him for such good
post. Do you think, dear, you couldn't
Il can do nothing more" said he en-
phatically, unless-well, unless he looks
ont for a wife,
lie has already looked out"
He can't have Edith" he said deter
mincdly.
"Why not dear?' she asked. "They
are very fond OF each other; in fact, / do
not think it would be wise to thwart
their inclinations. Edith's health"
What's the matter with her health ?"
he asked anxiously.
'She is fretting-'
"This is really too bad" he interrupt
ed. 4 purposely selected Capt. Mayne
for this appointment so as to separate
of lugglery, which / cannot for the life
of me understand, the very thing that
wished To prevent / seem to have has
tenedl What am to do?" looking hope
lessly at his wife. "Mayne has already
dppedfeu III OIueio us having DGSu pIdCCu
at the disposal of the colonial office for
special service, and you say Edith's
health is suffering"
"She is very lowspirited, indeed"
Lady Morrant murmured
There is always the usual ending to-
these entanglements," he cried despair
mgly Il thought to keep her for a
Willie longer, but, thanks to your con-
nivance, it appears that this is not to-
be?"
Il have only thought of her interests"
said she meekly.
"No one thinks of my interests" said
he stubbornly.
She placed her hand on his shoulder.
Il really don't know what to do" said
he hearsely. 'I'm-I'm fairly cornered.
leave me for an hour while / think it
over" be continued disconsolately. 81
can manage an army corps easily, but
hon, INV