Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-11-30

when I was suddenly recalled to the
extreme delicacy of my situation by
the deep voice Of the Major asking me
a direct question:
do you ever dance, Colonel?"
Exactly what / may have replied I
know not, but it was evidently trans
lated as an affirmative, for in another
moment l was being plotted down the
side Of the long room, while he gos-
siped in my rather inattentive ear.
CAS- you have doubtless remarked,
Colonel, we are extremely fortunate
in our ladies tonight. By Jove, they
would grace an Inauguration ball at
Washington. So many officers wives
have Joined us lately, supposing we
would make permanent camp here,
and besides there are more loyal fam
lilies in this neighborhood than we
find usually. At least their loyalty
is quite apparent while we remain.
Then the General Hospital nurses are
not especially busy,-no battle lately,
you know,-and there are some
deuced pretty girls among them. Ball
room looks nice, don't you think?"
Extremely well; the decorations
are in most excellent TASTE"
Entirely the work of the staff.
Great pity so many were compelled to
be absent, but soldier can never
tell. Here upon special duty, Colonel?"
II brought dispatches from the
President to General Sheridan"
wish you might remain with us
permanently. Your command, be-
lieve, is not connected with our East
earn army?"
mo. with Thomas in the Cumber.
land"
"Ah, yes; had some very pretty
fighting out there, understand-oh,
pardon me, Miss Minor permit me
to present to you Colonel Curran, of
General Halleck's staff. The Colonel,
/ believe, is as able dancer as he is
soldier, and no higher compliment
to his abilities could possibly be paid.
Miss Minor, Colonel, is native vir.
ginian, who Is present under protest,
hoping doubtless to capture some
young officer, and thus weaken the
enemy"
I bowed pleasantly to the bright
eyed young woman facing me, and not
sorry to escape the Majors inquisi-
tiveness, at once begged for the re-
mainder Of the waltz. The request
was laughingly granted. and in anoth-
er moment we were threading our way
amid the numerous couples upon the
floor. She proved so delightful
dancer that simply yielded myself
up to full enjoyment of the measure,
and conversation lapsed, until sud-
den cessation Of the music left us
stranded SO close to the fireplace that
the very sight of it brought a vivid
realization Of my perilous position. If
it had not, my companions chance
remark most assuredly would
GLOW easily you waltz" she said
enthusiastically her sparkling eyes
and flushed cheeks testifying to her
keen enjoyment. $50 many find me
difficult to keep step with that have
become fearful of venturing upon the
floor with a stranger. However,
shall always be glad to give you
character to any of NV friends ("
Il sincerely thank you" returned
In the same spirit, "and can GER
tainly return the compliment most
heartily. 1t is so long since 1 was
privileged to dance with a lady that
I confess to having felt decidedly
awkward at the start, but your step
proved SO accommodating that l be-
came at once at home, and enjoyed
the waltz immensely. / fail to dis
cover any seats in the room, or
should endeavor to find one vacant
for you"
"Oh, I am not in the least tired"
She was looking at me with so deep
an expression of interest in her eyes
that l dimly wondered at it.
did I understand rightly" she
asked. playing idly with her fan,
that Major Monsoon introduced you
to me as Colonel Curran of General
Halleck's staff?"
What the deuce am up against
now? I thought, and my heart beat
quickly. Yet retreat was impossible,
and I answered with assumed care
lessness:
Il am, most assuredly, Colonel Cur.
ran"
From Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me
with a vengeance, and stole one
quick glance at the girls face It
was devoid Of suspicion, merely evinc-
ing polite interest.
Il have the honor Of commanding
tho Sixth Artillery Regiment from that
State'
"You must pardon me, Colonel, for
my seeming nquisitiveness," and her
eyes sparkled with demure mischief.
yet cannot quite understand. I was
at school in Connecticut with Miss
Curran whose father was an officer of
artillery from Ohio, and, naturally,
at once thought Of her when the
Major pronounced your name; yet it
certainly cannot be you-you are al