The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-10-15

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How about the military parade then7n
ventured the Major.
I'm rather fond of military things, YOU
know" she said. ~
All, said the Major delightedly, III
thought SO. | can't help wishing had q
part to play in it. Sitting in a reviewing
stand is pretty tame business for soldier
What shame that Wyeth isn't an officer
isn't it2 / don't see how fellow Of ~,
spirit can be contented in the ranks"
guess q sergeant-major is a pretty
important thing in his regiment, said Kitty
taking up Billy's defense, although She Sc
cretly held him in some contempt for not
being at least general. A man whose
father had steam yachts and castles and
things, and was content with being ser
geant-major Of militia was rather difficult
Of comprehension.
Now if Wyeth goes to the Duke of
Halbertstone's dinner at the Hotel Mona
ton, he'll see the disadvantage of not hold
ing rank, said the Major pityingly.
! "Why90 asked Kitty with interest.
Because it's to be military and naval
affair, said the Major. "The Duke is over
here privately, and he's just giving this
little dinner for some Of the visiting British
naval officers, and as compliment to some
of his American friends. He's only inviting
Wyeth, you know, because he knew him
somewhere over there"
He knew Billy" said Kitty grandly,
when his father was our ambassador at
Rome"
eyes, I've heard So" said the Major
shortly. But, as l was saying, it'll be
milit'ry affair with all the rules of prece-
dence and all that, and poor Wyeth'll be
mere nobody. He pretends to be so proud
of the exclusiveness Of his regiment; but at
milit'ry affair of this sort, you see, he'll
have no standing at all just because he
isn't an officer He'll be a sort of walking
gentleman in conventional evening clothes,
among all the handsomely uniformed army
and navy chaps"
Isn't it nice your regiment has such a
gorgeous uniform? said Kitty banteringly
The Majors conscience made him to
flush as he thought of her probable yelled
reference to certain humiliating episodes in
his military past.
8 believe have tried to wear my sword
worthily," he said in slightly injured tone
"Of course you have, Major" cried
Kitty, beginning to wonder how the rules
of military precedence would affect the
ladies at the Halbertstone dinner. She had
little inclination to go in to dinner on an
ordinary black broadcloth arm, if the Widow
Tindale and young Minnie Ryder were to
have epaulettes and gold braid. Her eyes
became bewitchingly round and shone upon
the Major with girlish righteousness.
Isn't it splendid. to be Major2" she
cried. why, I guess you'll go in to dinner
pretty near the Duke himself, won't your"
The Major was almost embarrassed. 81
believe there are to be several officers of the
regular service there he said, "and they
take precedence over National Guardsmen,
but fancy shall be the ranking Guards
man there"
How do they manage about the ladiess"
asked Kitty in a tone OF merely casual
curiosity.
The Major looked at her intently for
moment. He was easily flattered and
pathetically gulible, but for once the sud-
den girlishness and rare friendliness made
him suspicious.
Why" he said, its only small affair;
nothing very formal. l hardly know who
the ladies will be- Mrs. Tindale is going, l
believe"
Poor dear, I'm so glad she's invited"
cried Kitty.
"Why poor dear'?' asked the Major.
ooh, nothing said Kitty, "only I'm
glad she's to have good time. She tries so
hard to be young, you know, and really,
Major, after certain age it's no use, you
know But she's a dear thing just the
same"
The Major shivered slightly and buttoned
up his jacket. we all have to grow old.
Even you will come to it, Miss Kitty
ooh, Major" she laughed, what in the
world are you thinking about age for5 A
gay bachelor never grows old, and I'd like
to see anyone that would associate you with
age after all your exploits in the war game
and up in the ST. Lawrence.
Um-m-thanks, very much" muir
INJURED the Major dryly, thinking darkly to,
himself of certain not altogether pleasant
experiences in his short acquaintance with
the dangerous and clever young person.
II must get you to tell me some of your
military adventures" said Kitty warmly.
"I'm sure you've had some exciting expe-
riences."
Him, no-er-really, my life has been
quite uneventful,' said the Major guard
dWell," sighed Kitty irrelevantly, II
just hope they won't send me in to dinner
with any stupid man. You see, Major, all