Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1912-02-08
CHAPTER xv.--contInued.


For a moment, as l responded to
the hearty cordially 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
nome as this had evidently been, and
Its proportions were magnifled by
numerous mirrors extending from
to ceiling, causing the more
distant dancers to appear circling in
space. Brilliantly illumined by
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 or the men anG the handsome
gowns of the women, 1t composed a
scene so 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
repart2es caught as the various
couples circle swiftly past, the quick,
musical gliding Of flying feet over the
waxen floor, the continuous whirl of
tue 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
intoxlcation Of the moment, my eyes
were eagerly searching that happy
throng for sight Of one fair woman's
face. 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-
ton OF an army-in my weakness I
secretly longed for just such a han
penihg; felt, indeed, that | must again
see her, have speech with her, before
l went forth alone into the manifold
dangers of the night. 1t was fool
Enthusiastically in very truth
yet sucn was the secret yearning of
my heart. If | could only once
know from her own truthful lips. that
she already belonged to another. I
could, l believe, tear her image from
my memory; but while l yet doubteda
'(and in spite Of all l had heard
doubted still), 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
from those chance words over
heard In the chimney, and my one
deep hope eve since | 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. 1
was yet vainly seeking a glimpse of
her among the many who circled past,
when | was suddenly recalled to the
extreme delicacy Of my situation by
the deep voice of the Major asking me
a direct question:
DO you ever dance, Colonel?'
Exactly what ! may have replied |
know not, but 1t was evidently trans
as an affirmative, for in another
moment | was being piloted down the
side Of the long room, while he COS
in my rather inattentive ear.
las 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
make permanent camp here,
and besides there are more loyal fam
lilies in this n~eighborhood than we
find usually. At least 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 some
deuced pretty girls among them. Ball
room looks nice, don't you think?"
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 a soldier can nevex
tell. Here upon special duty, Colonel?"
Y brought dispatches from the
President to General Sheridan"
Wish you might remain with us
permanently. Your command, ] be-
lieye. is 0 connected with our East
earn army?
mo. with Thomas in the cumber-
"Ah, yes; had some very pretty
out there, l understand-oh,
me, Miss Minor. permit me
present to you Colonel curran, Of
General Halleck's stan. The Colonel,
believe, is an able a dancer as he is
q soldier, and no higher compliment
70 his abilities coula possibly be paid. |
Miss Minor. Colonel. Is a native vir-
sinian. who "a present under protest
doubtless 10 capture some
Soung officer, ana thus weaken the
enemy
bowed pleasantly to the bright
eyed young woplkn facing me. and not