The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1908-02-13

ing. 1t was 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 South Seas, or some
where!"
Capt Mayne laughed. "That cannot
in any way affect me- said he. "The
general is the very last person who would
place my name under such a fiattering
heading"
"But he has, persisted Edith. "He
wrote underneath that he could strongly
recommend Capt, the Hon. Frederick
Mayne of the South Surrey regiment, for
the above position. AN officer he add
ed, 'eminently qualified for an admins
irative post"
''He wants to get rid of me, then,' said
Capt. Wayne, with a tug at his mus
tache.
YES" agreed the young lady wistfully.
''What are we to OF" asked the officer
anxiously.
I'm sure I don't know said she de-
murely.
81 can refuse to CO." declared he de-
terminedly.
''That would ruin your career, would
it 20 she asked.
'It would be a good post, I'm sure"
said he, rejecting, 'but l won't take it
without YOU"
''Your last sentence has suggested to
my mind brilliant idea. Mamma can
carry it out. Mamma can do anything"
What is it? he asked.
"JusJ watt" said she, "till after Lady
Grossmore's reception. The colonial Sec
rotary is sure to be there And-oh, you
just wait!"
4 x
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 a motherly way to a 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 1 have
ever heard of, or read Of" exclaimed
Gen. Morrant furiously, "this one surely
caps them 1 used to think war office
red tape pretty stiff to deal with, but
this-this colonial office pattern; 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 he married man. As your nomi-
nee, Capt. Mayne, at present does not
fulfill this requirement, his appointment
is hereby cancelled unless within a linn
tied period BAH" roared the gen.
eral again, breaking off and finging the
letter on the table.
whats the matter dear?" asked his
wife quietly, as she glided into the room.
"They have cancelled Mayne's appoint
ment because he hasn't a wife,"
"That can easily be rene
did you ever hear of such thing?"
he roared.
Never" she responded. Then, feeling
ly: ut will be a great disappointment
to poor Fred, he was so thankful you
had recommended him for such a good
post. Do you think, dear, you couldn't
Il can do nothing MORE" said he en-
phatically, "unless-well, unless he looks
out for wife,"
''ILe 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"
whats the matter with her health ?"
he asked anXiously.
'She is fretting-"
''This is really too bad,' he interrupt
ed. II purposely selected Capt. Mayne
for this appointment SO as to separate
them. But owing to some internal piece
of jugglery, which l cannot for the life
OF me understand, the very thing that
wished to prevent l seem to have has
tened! What am l to do?" looking hope
lessly at his wife. 'Mayne has already
appeared in Orders as having been placed
at the disposal of the colonial office for
special service, and you say Edith's
health is suffering"
"She is very low-spirited, indeed"
Lady Morrant murmured.
"There is always the usual ending to
these entanglements," he cried despair
ingly. Il thought to keep her for a
while 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.
81 really don't know what to do,' said
he hoarsely. 'I'm-I'm fairly cornered
cave me for an hour while I think it
over, he continued disconsolately. 81
can manage an army corps easily, but I
find two women are more than my
match :"