Middletown transcript., 1911-12-09
AnlaIAkA
CHAPTER XVI.
The Woman d Loved.

ped DeaC1ng aS SLOOQ gazing H6lpLesS"
ly into her face. I saw her eyes
open wide in astonished recognition,
and then a deep flush swept over
throat and cheek. For the instant
believed she would not speak, or that
she would give way to her excitement
and betray everything. / burst give
no signal of warning, for there ex-
listed no tie between us to warrant
my expecting any consideration from
her. It was an instant 80 tense that
her silence seemed like a blow. Yet
lit was only an instant. Then her
eyes smiled into mine most frankly,
and her hand was extended.
'T am more than delighted to meet
you, Colonel Curran," she said calmly,
although could feel her lips tremble
to the words. while the fingers held
were like Ice. Myrtle was one Of
my dearest friends, and she chanced
to be In my mind even as we met.
That was why" she added, turning
toward Miss Minor, as though she felt
her momentary agitation had mot
passed unobserved, Il was 30 sur.
prissd when you first presented
Colonel Curran."
'T cenfesS to having felt strangely
myself" returned the other, archly,
although believe concealed my
feelings far better than yOu did, Edith.
Really, I thsdght ysu were going to
faint. It must be that Colonel Curran
exercises ssme strange occult influ-
snce over the weaker sex. Perhaps
he In the seventh son Of . seventh
son; are you, Colonel? However,
dear, am safe for the present from
his mysterious spell, and you will be
compsYied to face the danger alone, as
here GENES Lieut9nant Hsmmersmith
10 claim the dance I've promised
him."
Before Mrs. Brennan could inter
Esre, the laughing girl had placed her
band on the Lieutenant's blue sleeve,
bnd, With Q f1ocking goodbye flung
backward over her shoulder, vanished
10 the crowd, leaving us standing
there alone. I
GWS A@uS WAAsSo Ia AauSA SPRo4 CIV AZ
Inference, gently tapping the floor
with her neatly shoa foot.
would you be exceedingly angry
H I were to ask you to dancer" I
questioned, stealing surreptitiougly q
glance at her proudly aVerted face.
Angry? Most assuredly not" in
apparent surprise. "Yet trust you
will not ask me. have been upon
the floor OILY 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
tnquiringly to mine, and her face
4ightened.
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 /
conducted her to the farther end Of
1t, where we found a comfortable
divan and no troublesome neighbors.
AS I glanced at Eer now, marked
a distinct change in her face. The
old indifference, so well 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-
Iade? this wearing of the Federal uni
form? this taking of another's name?
this being here at all?"
'If should say that came hoping
to see you again." answered, scarce
knowing how best. to proceed or how
far to put confidence in her, what
would you think?"
IF that Is true, that you were ex-
tremely foolish to take such a risk for
$50 small reward" she returned calm
tly. Nor, under these circumstances,
would / remain here so much as q
moment to encourage you. But it is
mot true This 10 no light act; your
very life must lie in the balance, or
you could never assume such risk"
Il would trust you gladly with my
life or my honor" replied soberly.
i'If had less faith in you / should
mot be here now. ! understand that
II am condemned to be shot as s~spy
at daybreak."
"shotH On what authority? Who
told your"
"on the order Of General Sheridan.
MY informant was Lieutenant Caton,
Of his staff"
"Shot? AS spy? Why, It surely
cannot bel Frank said Captain
Wayne, believe me, knew absolute
ily nothing Of all this. Do you think
4 should ever have rested If / had
dreamed that you were held under so
false charger promised you I
would see General Sheridan on your
behalf. Frank" she bit her lip i'm.
patiently-'T was told, that is, l was
led to believe that you were-had been
1SAS AASAb bA 90 . pAA50AS4 Vi wal 4otC
last night Otherwise l should have
insisted upon seeing you-on plead
ing your cause with the General him
self The major and I brealdasted 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; could not bear to have you
feel that could prove such an in.
Igrate"
You need never suppose should
ahink that" replied, with an earnest.
ness Of manner that caused her to
glance at me In surprise. Il con-
EHdently rxpected to hear from Won all