The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-11-04

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she already belonged to another, I
could, believe. tear her image from
my memory; but while I yet doubted
(and in spite Of all had heard I
doubted stilD. no desperate case
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 l donned that
Federal uniform and ventured down
the stairs "a hope most oddly mingled
with dread) was that we might in
some manner be brought together. I
was yet vainly seeking a glimpse of
her among the many who circled past,
when l 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, but 1t was evidently trans
lated as an affirmative, for in another
moment was being piloted down the
side Of the long room, while he gos-
siped in my rather inattentive car.
"As you have doubtless remarked.
Colonel, we are extremely fortunate
In our ladies tonight. by Jove, they
would grace an Inauguration ball at
Washington. So many officers wives
have joined us lately, supposing We
would make permanent camp here.
and besides there are more loyal fam
lilies In this neighborhood than we
find usually. At least their loyalty
Ia quite apparent while we remain.
Then the General Hospital nurses are
not especially busy,-no battle lately,
you know,-and there are some
deuced pretty girls among them. Ball
room looks nice, don't you think7"
Extremely well; the decorations
are In most excellent TASTE
Entirely the work of the staff.
Great pity so many were compelled to
be absent, but soldier can never
tell. Here upon special duty, Colonel?"
~ brought dispatches from the
President to General Sheridan"
"Wish you might remain with US
permanently. Your command, I be-
Iieve, is not connected with our East
earn army?"
mo, with Thomas In the Cumber-
land"
| "Ah, yes; had some very pretty
NIL,
! pardon me, Miss Minor, permit me
to present to you Colonel Curran, Of
/ General Halleck's staff. The Colonel,
| I believe, is as able dancer as he Ia
a soldier, and no higher compliment
to his abilities could possibly be paid.
Miss Minor, Colonel, is native Vir-
gilman, who is present under protest,
hoping doubtless to capture some
young officer, and thus weaken the
enemy"
bowed pleasantly to the bright
eyed young woman facing me, and not
sorry to escape the Majors inquisi.
tiveness, at once begged for the re.
mainder Of the waltz. The request
was laughingly granted, and in anoth.
er moment we were threading our way
amid the numerous couples upon the
! floor. She proved 80 delightful q
dancer that ' simply yielded myself
up to full enjoyment Of the measure
and conversation lapsed, until sud.
den cessation Of the music left US
stranded so close to the fireplace that
the very sight of it brought vivid
realization Of my perilous position. II
It had not, my companions chance
remark most assuredly would.
"How easily you waltz" she said
enthusiastically, her sparkling eyes
and flushed cheeks testifying to her
keen enjoyment. $50 many find me
difficult to keep step with that I have
become fearful Of venturing upon the
floor with stranger. However,
shall always be glad to give you q
character to any of my friends