The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1911-12-14
CHAPTER xV.-Continued.

For moment, as | responded to
The hearty cordiality OF his welcome,
! was enabled to take my first glance
at the ballroom, and found it to my
unaccustomed soldier eyes an inspir
ing spectacle The room was magnifi-
Gently large,-a surprising apartment,
indeed, even in so superb a Southern
home as this had evidently been. and
It's proportions were magnified by
numerous mirrors extending from
floor to ceiling, causing the more
distant dancers to appear circling in
space. Brilliantly illumined by means
OF hanging chandeliers that oscillated
slightly to the merry feet; decorated
lavishly everywhere with festooned
flags and tastefully arranged NUM-
tons OF war; gay with the dress uni.
forms OF the men ant the handsome
gowns Of the women, 1t composed a
scene go different from any | had
looked upon in years as to hold me
fascinated. The constant clatter of
tongues, the merry laughter. the flash
ing Of bright eyes, and the CLEAN OF
snowy shoulders, the good-humored
repartIes caught as the various
couples circle swiftly past, the quick,
musical gliding Of flying feet over the
waxen floor, the continuous whirl OF
tno intoxicating waltz, and over all
the inspiring strains Of Strauss,
caused my heart to bound. and
brought with 1t an insane desire to
participate
Yet gazing, entranced, upon the ami
mated scene, and feeling deeply the
lntoxication of the moment, my eyes
were eagerly searching that happy
throng for sight OF one fair woman's
lace. Strange as 1t must seem to 9TH
ers, in spite Of the fact that to meet
her might mean betrayal and death
ay! might even result in the destruc-
tion Of an army--in my weakness |
secretly longed for just such hap
pening; felt, indeed. that must again
see her, have speech with her. before
! went forth alone into the manifold
dangers Of the night. 1t was fool
hardness, insanity In very truth
yet sucn was the secret yearning OF
my heart. II | could only once
know from her own truthful lips. that
she already belonged to another,
could, | believe, tear her image from
my memory; but while ! yet doubted
land in spite Of all | had heard
M n
should ever prevent my seeking her
with all the mad ardor OF love, no
faintness Of heart should intervene
between us. That she was present I
knew from those chance words over
heard In the chimney, and my one
deep hope ever since I donned that
Federal uniform and ventured down
the stairs Ga hope most oddly mingled
with dread) was that we might in
some manner be brought together. |
was yet vainly seeking a glimpse OF
her among the many who circlec past,
when ! was suddenly recalled to the
extreme delicacy OF my situation by
the deep voice of the Major asking me
direct question:
do you ever dance, Colonel?'
Exactly what may have replied |
know not, bat il was evidently trans.
lated as an affirmative, for in another
moment was being piloted down the
| side Of the long room. while he Cos
/ siped in my rather inattentive ear.
AS you have doubtless remarked
! Colonel, we are extremely fortunate
| In our ladies tonight. BY Jove. they
would grace an inauguration ball al
! Washington. So many officers wives
/ have Joined US lately supposing VIC
would make permanent camp here
anG besides there are more loyal fam
flies in this neighborhood than W,
find usually, At leass 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 som,
deuced pretty girls among them Ball
Tocm looks nice, don't you think"
Extremely we'll the decorations
are in most excellent taste"
ENTIRELY the work OF the staff
Great pity so many were compelled T.
be absent, but soldier can neve
tell Here upon special duty, Colonel?
81 brought dispatches from tn
President to General Sheridan"
Wish you might remain with u
permanently. Your command. | be
lieve, is not connected with our Eas
earn army"
mo. with Thomas In the Cumbel
land
"Ah, yes; had some very prett
fighting out there. ] understand-ol
pardon me, Miss Minor, permit m
to present to you Colonel Curran, G
General Halleck's staff The Colone
believe. IL as able a dancer as he
a soldier, and no higher compllmer
to his abilities coula possibly be pai'
Miss Minor, Colonel, Is native VI
giniaD. who is present under protes
hoping doubtless TO capture son
young officer and thus weaken I'll
enemy"
bowed pleasantly 10 the brIgh
eyed young woman facing me. and N