The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-11-11
ILLUS TRATIONS BY
ARTHUR q, WILLIAMSON
Copyright by A. &. McClurx 1 Co.
Rniesed q Ssa3oane's Hall LoodoQ,

Would you b exceedingly angry
At l were to ask you to dance?" I
questioned. stealing surreptitiously q
glance at her proudly averted face.
"Angryf Most assuredly not" in
apparent surprise. "Yet I trust you
will not ask mo. I have been upon
the floor only once tonight. I am
not at all In the mood"
III there were chairs here should
venture to ask even greater favor
that you would consent to sit out this
set with me-"
She turned slightly, lifted her eyes
hnquiringly to mine, and her face
Heightened.
mo doubt we might discover seats
without difficulty in the anteroom."
she answered. indicating the direction
by glance. "There do not appear to
be many 'sitters' at this ball, and the
few who do are not crowded"
The apartment contained, as she
prophesied. but few occupants, and I
conducted her to the farther end of
1t, where we found a comfortable
divan and no troublesome neighbors.
AS I glanced at her now, marked
a distinct change In her face. The
old Indifference, SO we'll assumed
while we were In the presence of
others. had utterly vanished. as by
magic, and she sat looking at me in
anxious yet impetuous questioning.
Captain Wayne" she exclaimed,
her eyes never once leaving my face,
what does this meant this masquer.
ade9 this wearing of the Federal uni.
form? this taking of anothers name?
this being here at all?"
III I should say that came hoping
to see you again." I answered, scarce
knowing how best to proceed or how
far to put confidence in her, what
would you Think
IT that is true, that you were ex.
ltremely foolish to take such risk for
30 small reward" she returned calm.
~. "Nor. under these circumstances.
would I remain here so much as 4
moment to encourage you. But it is
mot true. This is no light act; your
very life must lie In the balance. or
you could never assume such risk"
II would trust you gladly with my
life or my honor" replied soberly.
1T had less faith in you I should
not be here now. understand that
I am condemned to be shot as a spy
at daybreak."
"Shot? On what authority! Who
told you?"
ION the order Of General Sheridan.
My informant was Lieutenant Cation,
of his staff"
"Shot? AS spy1 Why, It surely
cannot be! Frank said Captain
Wayne, believe me, I knew absolute.
ly nothing Of all this. Do you think
i should ever have rested If 1 had
dreamed that you were held under so
false charge? / promised you
would see General Sheridan on your
behalf. Frank" she bit her lip i'm.
patiently-T was told, that is, was
led to believe that you were-had been
sent North as prisoner of war late
last night Otherwise should have
insisted Upon seeing you-on plead.
ing your cause with the General him.
self. The major and breakfasted with
him this morning, but your name was
not mentioned, for believed you
SAFE"
She did not appear to realize, SO
deep was her present indignation and
regret, that my hand had found rest.
ing place upon her own.
"You must believe me, Captain
Wayne; I could not bear to have you
feel that I could prove such an in.
Igrate."
"You need never suppose should
think that" replied, with an earnest
mess of manner that caused her to
glance at me in surprise. II con.
hdently expected to hear from you all
day, and finally when no word came
i became convinced some such mis-.
conception as you have mentioned
must have occurred. Then it became
my turn TO act upon my own behalf
81 would preserve my life; yet never
for one moment have doubted you
or the sincerity Of your pledge to
me-"
She waited quietly while couple
passed us and sought seats nearer the
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
As quickly as possible reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting Without deny.
ing the presence of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Gen.
eral Sheridan. did not dwell upon it,
nor mention the personal ARRAY that
had occurred between US. Even had
I not supposed the man to be her
husband I should never have taken
advantage of his treachery to advance
my own cause. As I concluded there
was a tear glistening on her long
flashes, but she seemed unconscious
of 1t, and made no attempt to dash
1t away.
ssVou hova mt told mo oil cha