The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1912-10-17

delphia victors, and soon. am no
afraid to tell you. | have learnc'
much today. and 80 back to report I,
Washington that the exchange OF Brit
ish commanders means the early evac
uation OF the city. When we NEE
| again you viii not be q lady OF tn,
Blended Rose. nor will / be wearing
this uniform"
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine, then dropped demurely.
II rather Ike the colors you ar,
wearing now. and am sure this dress
ia most becoming. II have pas
sion for masquerade"
81 recognize that. but have already
| discovered where | can read the truth
beyond the masque-what is occurring
now"
She turned TO look. attracted as
had been by tho change and hustle
| about US. A few feet from where we
| stood conversing, large folding doors
previously concealed by draperies
were suddenly flung wide open, re,
yealing magnificent dining hall
Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle
! turned TO my companion. unable TO
resist temptation. She must have in,
stantly read the purpose In my face,
for she grasped my sleeve.
NO; you must not think OF remain.
ing n moment longer There will be
a seat reserved for me, and Captain
Grant is coming this way now. Some
thing Is wrong. | am sure; have no
time to explain. but promise me you
will leave here at once-at once"
Her eyes. her words, were so in
sistent could not refuse. although as
| glanced about felt convinced
there was no danger In this assem-.
blage not n familiar face meeting
mine. At the instant Grant came up.
Glowing his way through the press,
and staring insolently into my eyes,
even as he bowed politely to the lady
beside me.
AT least this is my privilege" he
insisted, unless there be another pre-
yious engagement Of which am 'gno-
rant"
"oh. no." and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve, amiling from his
face into mine. we were waiting for
you TO come. Goodnight, Lieutenant
Fortesque."
They had taken a step or two, when
Grant halted, holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where | stood.
Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare
me moment after | have found the
lady seat?" he questioned politely.
Gladly. II you do not keep me
waiting too long"
Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor below?"
! bowed, conscious of the mute ap-
peal in the lady's face. yet with no
excuse for refusal.
AS well there MS anywhere. sir"
Once again we bowed with all the
punctilious ceremony Of mutual dis.
like, and he whispered something into
her ear as they disappeared in the
stream Of people. Ny cheeks burned
with Indignation At his cool insolence.
What could II mean? Was he merely
seeking quarrel? or was there some
hing else concealed behind this re-
luest? In either case knew not how
o act, and yet felt no inclination TO
lvold the meeting. Studying over the
situation | pushed my way through
he crowd across the floor OF the ball.
Dom. There were a few people still
lingering on the stairs, but. except for
he servants. the parlors below were
deserted. ! walked the length OF one
If the great rooms, and halted in
ront OF a fireplace to await Grants !
oming. was eager to have this af- !
air settled. and be of. compre.
tended now the risk ! had assume ed |
" remaining so long, and began to |
eel the cords OF ENHANCEMENT draw
ng about me. There was n door op.
,osite where | stood, and. staring
oward It, saw It open slightly, and.
Jack in the darkness, me reckoning |
4 hand. Startled. yet realizing that |
t must mean me, stepped closer.
ripping the hilt of my sword. half !
Inspecting treachery.
Quick" and ! recognized the deep |
ontralto OF the voice. Don't stop to |
question; there is not a moment to
ose."