The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1912-02-27

dioUe.
The lady waited in much apparent in
difference. gently tapping the floor
with her neatly shod foot.
Would you be exceedingly angry
l were to ask you to dancer"
questioned, stealing surreptitiously
glance at her proudly averted face.
Angry? Most assuredly not" in
apparent surprise. yet l trust you
will not ask me. l have been upon
the floor only once tonight. am
not at all In the mood"
IF there were chairs here should
venture to ask even a greater favor
that you would consent to sit out this
set with me-"
She turned slightly, lifted her eyes
inQuiringly to mine, and her face
llghtened.
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 / glanced at her now, l marked
a 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 anothers name?
this being here at all?"
IF should say that came hoping
to see you again." l 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
so small reward" she returned calm
ly. Nor, under these circumstances.
would remain here so much as a
moment to encourage you. But 1t is
not true. This Is 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" l replied soberly.
IF l had less faith in you l should
not be here now. understand that
l am condemned to be shot as a 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 spy? Why, it surely
cannot be! Frank said Captain
Wayne, believe me, knew absolute
ly nothing of all this Do you think
] should ever have rested If l had
dreamed that you were held under so
false charge? 1 promised you
would see General Sheridan on your
behalf. Frank" she bit her lip inn
patiently-"I was told, that is, / was
led 90 believe that you were-had been
sent North as a prisoner of war late
last night. Otherwise I should have
insisted upon seeing you-on plead.
self. The major and breakfasted with
him this morning, but your name was
not mentioned, for 1 believed you
safe"
She did not appear to realize, so
deep was her present indignation and
regret. that my hand had found a rest
Ing place upon her own.
You must believe me, Captain
Wayne; / could not bear to have you
feel that I could prove such an In
crate"
You need never suppose I should
think that" / replied, with an earnest
ness OF manner that caused her to
glance at me in surprise. 81 con-
hdenuy expected to hear from you all
day, and finally when no word came
! became convinced some such mis-
conception as you have mentioned
must have occurred. Then 1t became
my turn 10 act upon my own behalf
II would preserve my life; yet never
for one moment have 1 doubted you
or the sincerity of your pledge to
me-"
She waited quietly while a couple
f"'N~N No NAN oOu6hl StdlS uedTGT l09
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
AS quickly as possible l reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting Without deny.
Ing the presence of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Cen
eral Sheridan, did not dwell upon IL,
nor mention the personal ARRAY that
had occurred between us. Even had
/ not supposed the man to be her
husband ! should never have taken
advantage OF his treachery to advance
my own cause. AS I concluded there
was a tear glistening on her long
lashes. but she seemed unconscious
Of 10. and made no attempt to dash
II away.
You have not told me all" she
commented quietly But ] can under.
stand and appreciate the reason for
your silence. lnow Franks impetu.
osity, and you arc very kind, Captain
Wayne. % spare my feelings. but you
must not remain here: every moment
Of delay Increases your danger. sher.
ldan and those OF hts staff who would
surely recognize you were expected
back before this. and may appear at