The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1911-12-08
CHAPTER XV.-Continued.

~ NNs-SOILiluGOs
for moment, as I responded to
the hearty cordiality of his welcome,
l was enabled to take my first glance
at the ballroom, and found it to my
unaccustomed soldier eyes an inspir-
sng spectacle. The room was magnifi-
Gently larSe,-a surprising apartment,
indeed, even in so superb a Southern
home as this had evidently been. and
1Ih proportions were magnified by
numerous mirrors extending from
floor to ceiling, causing the more
dlstant dancers TO appear circling In
space. Brilliantly illumined by means
OF hanging chandeliers that oscillated
slightly to the merry feet; decorated
iavishly everywhere with festooned
fiags and tastefully arranged NUM-
sions or war; gay with the dress uni.
forms OF the men anC the handsome
gowns OF the women. It composed a
scene so different from any | had
iooked upon in years as to hold me
fascinated. The constant clatter of
tongues, the merry laughter. the flash
ing or bright eyes, and the CLEAN of
enowy shoulders, the good-humored
repartees caught as the various
couples circle swiftly past. the quick.
musical gliding of flying feet over the
waxen floor. the continuous whirl of
Tue intoxicating waltz, and over all
the inspiring strains Of Strauss.
caused my heart to bound. and
brought with It an insane desire to
participate.
Yet gazing, entranced, upon the AMI
mated scene, and feeling deeply the
intoxication Of the moment, my ewes
were eagerly searching that happy
throng for sight Of one fair woman's
face. Strange as It must seem to 9th.
ers, in spite of the fact that to meet
her might mean betrayal and death
ay! might even result in the destruc-
ton or an army-in my weakness
secretly longed for just such han
pening; felt, indeed. that / must again
see her, have speech with her before
1 went forth alone into the manifold
hangers Of the night. It was fool.
enthusiastically In very truth
yet sucn was the secret yearning of
my heart. If l could only once
know from her own truthful lips that
she already belonged to another,
could, | believe, tear her image from |
my memory; but while l yet doubted
(and in spite of all l had heard I
doubted stilD, no desperate case
should ever prevent my seeking her
with all the mad ardor OF love no |
faintness OF heart should intervene |
between us. That she was present I
knew from those chance words over.
neard In the chimney. and my one
deep hope ever since I donned that
Federal uniform and ventured down
the stairs "a hope most oddly mingled
with dreadD was that we might in
some manner be brought together.
was yet vainly seeking a glimpse of
her among the many who circled mast
when / was suddenly recalled to the
extreme delicacy of my situation by
the deep voice of the Major asking me
q direct question:
do you ever dance. Colonel?"
Exactly what l may have replied I
know not, but 1t was evidently trans.
lated as an affirmative. for in another
moment ! was being piloted down the
side Of the long room. while he goa.
siped in my rather inattentive ear.
IN |
we are extremely fortunate
In our ladies tonight. BY Jove. thew
would grace an Inauguration ball at
So many officers wiyes
have Joined US lately. supposing wa
would make permanent camp here
and besides there are more loyal fam.
!ilies In this neighborhood than we
find usually. At least their LOYALTY
Us quite apparent while we remain
Then the General Hospital nurses are
not especially busy no battle lately
you know,-ard there are soms
deuced pretty girls among them. Ran.
room looks nice. don't you think."
1 Extremely we'll; the decoration.
are In most excellent taste"
Entirely the work OF the stan
Great pity SO many were compelled 10
oe absent. but q soldier can never
Nell. Here upon special duty. Colonel? :,
Il brought dispatches from the
President TO General Sheridan"
wish you might remain with ~
permanently. Your command. I -