Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-11-03
CHAPTER XVI.
The Woman Loved.

heating as l stood gazing helpless
alto her face. ! saw her eyes
!, wide in astonished recognition,
!. then a deep flush swept over
'.,.t and cheek. For the instant l
.T.ved she would not speak, OF that
/. would give way to her excitement
Il betray everything. l burst give
!. signal of warning, for there ex-
ssd no tie between us to warrant
!, expecting any consideration from
:, II was an instant SO tense that
,or silence seemed like a blow. Yet
was only an instant. Then her
.,.s smiled into mine most frankly,
md her hand was extended.
q am more than delighted to meet
nm colonel Curran," she said calmly,
Through could feel her lips tremble
N tbe words, while the fingers I held
we're like ice. Myrtle was one of
nv dearest friends, and she CHANGED
n be in my mind even as we met.
That was why" she added, turning
Inward Miss Minor, as though she felt
lsr momentary agitation had not
nssed unobserved, Il was so sur.
wised when you first presented
colonel Curran."
n confess to having felt strangely
myself" returned the other, archly,
although | believe / concealed my
feelings far better than you did, Edith.
Really, I thought you were going to
faint 1t must be that Colonel Curran
exercises some strange occult influ-
ence over the weaker sex. Perhaps
be is the seventh son of seventh
son; are you, Colonel? However,
dear, am safe for the present from
bis mysterious spell, and you will be
compelled to face the danger alone, as
here comes Lieutenant Hammersmith
to claim the dance I've promised
him"
Before Mrs. Brennan could inter-
fere, the laughing girl had placed her
hand ON the Lieutenant's blue sleeve,
and with a hooking goodbye flung
backward over her shoulder, vanished
In the crowd, leaving us standing
there alone.
The lady waited in much apparent in
difference. gently tapping the floor
with her neatly ehod foot.
would you be exceedingly angry
Il | were to ask you to dance?" I
Questioned, stealing surreptitiously a
alopco af hor nrpp1lu auartaJ faon
Angry? Most assuredly not" in
apparent surprise. yet / trust you
will not ask me. / have been upon
the floor only once tonight. l am
not at all in the mood"
IF 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
inquringly to mine, and her face
lightened.
NO 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
diyan and no troublesome neighbors.
AS l glanced at her now, I marked
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 mean? this masquer-
ade? this wearing of the Federal uni
form? this taking of another's name?
THIS being here at all?"
If | should say that I came hoping
TO see you again." I answered, scarce
knowing how best to proceed or how
lar to put confidence in her, what
would you think?"
IF that is true, that you were ex-
Uemely foolish to take such risk for
so small reward" she returned calm
~ Nor, under these circumstances,
would remain here so much as a
moment to encourage you. But it is
NOT true. This is no light act; your
very life must lie in the balance, or
you could never assume such risk"
i would trust you gladly with my
me or my honor" l replied soberly.
Il had less faith in you l should
not be here now. l understand that
am condemned to be shot as spy
at daybreak."
Shot? On what authority? Who
told your"
On the order of General Sheridan.
My informant was Lieutenant Cation,
Of his staff"
Shot? AS a spy? Why, it surely
SaEnot be! Frank said Captain
ayne. believe me, l knew absolute
y nothing of all this. Do you think
should ever have rested if I had