Los Angeles herald., 1909-10-24

of battle Naturally, all this weighed earfuly my
spirits realized that here crisis that must be
met The integrity of our home threatened I de-
termned to rise Carissas conception of my duty
man, patriot and descendant Once resolved
my course hastened impart the glad tidings my
wife.
"Clarissa," l said with conscious pride, "your ambi-
ton is about to be achieved Within three days shall
be soldier"
With cry of rapture Carissa threw herself into my
"Oh my dear y she quavered ecstaticaly. Z
tell Mrs. Tagglety at But after moments
pause, how you accomplish your noble purpose?"
81 shall enlist" I explained
"But-but you will be private. Oh Arthur, what a
disgrace to your august ancestors soldier!"
81 suppose l RISE" I said, moodly
"What? Rise from the ranks?" D." Carissa questioned.
"Oh, no, you couldn't do that"
I became indignant. Evidently my self-sacrifce
not accomplishing the happest results Moreover, did
like Clarssas dogmatic assertion that it would be
impossible for me to rise from the ranks
"Why not?" demanded
Clarssa was explicit: Why, you see, nobody ever
rises from the ranks in all I've read unless he distn
guishes himself by some action of wonderful vaor-a
sort of Victoria Cross thing, you know"
"And why shouldn't do something Victoria Cross
like want to know? guess I'm brave enough You
forget the blood that flows in my veins"
But you would have to fight, it is impossible"
my wife replied, imperturbably
"Of course I'd have to fght-soldiers do"
ooh, but you mustn't, Arthur dearest!"
"Eh?" questioned, blankly
"No, darling, never Why you might get hurt |"
Clarssa's eyes wide with dismay.
But Carissa," I argued I can't be soldier unless
fight"
"Oh yes, you Just join the militia"
"The militia gets called out sometimes" persisted,
"and goes to war, too"
Pooh! If anything happens you can resign"
"Don't you know that to resign at such time is i'm
possible to of honor p?
"Would you rather be hurt in horrid battle9"
eyes, certainly" affirmed
Then you mustn't enlist" Clarissa decided "Pm
going have you any risk of getting all mussed
up by of those nasty ratters."
Ratters?" ] repeated, in bewilderment
"Well" said Carissa, with great 1ucidity, "it has
something to do with rats terriers mcethats the
way remember it"
"Mausers!" cried
Mousers ratters terriers! I really do NOT see
that it matters" Carissa replied, pettshly!
Not at ALL" agreed "But l sha'nt enistl"
Certainly not" Clarssa said, dsdainfully II don't
see how you think of anything foolhardy
and reckless and-er-crimna"
Thus the incident was closed. Afterward, Clarssa was
more gentle in her manner toward me. I appreciated
her chastened mood, and learned to sing the 1.-TWO
Grenadiers," though haven't the voice for it, so my
friends said. STILL I could see that Clarissa not
content, despite her efforts to conceal her longings
from me.
During the months of my affection, had been very
busy with political work, campaigning for my friend
Norton, who after holding many Offices of Importance
now sought election chief executive of the State
hard fight ended in his victory, and when the struggle
was over he and took vacation trip together Natur-
ally I revealed all my troubles to him, and in the
simplest manner he relieved the situation.
cut short my absence that might hasten to inform
Clarssa of the beautiful truth.
Clarissa," began, as had kissed her, Il
worthy scion of my race. ], too, Clarssa-l am
warrior!"
Oh Arthur, you haven't gone and enlisted? And
I thought she grew little pale.
mo- dearest no; it is perfectly safe"
But what can it be- then? Oh, is it true? How can
it be true?" Her eyes were like stars now, and her
voice was charged with Joy.
I am a soldier" said, solemny; a warrior-more
l officer, colonel"
How wonderful" Clarissa breathed, reverently
ooh, won't you look just splendid in your"
al have already been measured for my uniform"
announced at is magnificent! Gold lace"
Gold lace"
"-and epaulets-"
Epauets!"
"-and a sword"
A sword
"-and boots-"s'
"Boots!"
"-and-er-thngs Magnificent"
"Oh, it's just too heavenly" Clarissa sighed But
tell me, Arthur dearest how did you do iii"
"Nbrton has appointed me a colonel on his staff
There was rapurous pause. Then Carissa ex-
claimed
"A staf-oficer only think of it !"
Uncle Jimmy, indeed!
Clarssa became thoughtful for moment When she
spoke, her words heavy with Importance;
1--WE must plan to go abroad. You will wish to at
tend the military manruvres of Europe.
The servant announced Mrs. Tagglety AS that odi-
ous person entered Clarssa turned to her with new
majesty of bearing, and said in voice thrilled with
emotion:
"Mv husband the COLONEL has rsturnedl'