Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-01-17


t1veness, 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 so delightful 4
dancer that I simply yielded myself
up to full enjoyment of the measure.
and conversation lapsed, until a 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
1t 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. 80 many find me
difficult to keep step with that have
become fearful of venturing upon the
floor with stranger. However. I
shall always be glad to give you a
character to any Of my friends"
Il sincerely thank you," returned
In the same spirit, and 1 can GER
tainly return the compliment most
heartily. It is so long since I was
privileged to dance with lady that
confess to having felt decidedly
awkward at the start, but your step
proved so accommodating that I be-
came at once at home, and enjoyed
the waltz immensely. l fail to dis
cover any seats in the room, or I
should endeavor to find one vacant
for YOU"
"Oh, l am not in the least tired
She was looking at me with so deep
an expression of interest in her eyes
that l dimly wondered at it.
did I understand rightly" she
asked, playing idly with her fan.
that Major Monsoon introduced you
to me as Colonel Curran of General
Halleck's staff"
What the deuce am 1 up against
now? l thought, and my heart beat
quickly. Yet retreat was impossible,
and answered will assumed care
lessness:
Il am, most assuredly, Colonel Cur.
ram"
From Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me
with vengeance, and l stole one
quick glance at the girls face. It
Sas devoid of suspicion, merely evinc-
Ing a polite interest.
Il have the honor of commanding
Tho Sixth Artillery Regiment from
that State"
''You must pardon me, Colone., for
lay seeming inquisitiveness," and her
eyes sparkled with demure mischief.
yet cannot quite understand. Twas
st school in Connecticut with a Miss
Cnrran whose father was an officer of
artillery from Ohio, and, naturally. I
at once thought of her when TIE
Major pronounced your name; yet It
certainly cannot be you-you are a.
together too young, for Myrtle must
be eighteen"
What l feared might prove a most
awkward situation.
well, yes, Miss Minor, l am in
deed somewhat youthful to be Myrtle's
father" said at a venture, but I
might serve as her brother. you
know, and not stretch the point of age
over-much."
She clasped her hands on my arm
With a gesture of delight
"Oh, am so glad; 1 knew Myrtle
nad brother, but never heard he also
was in the army. Did you know.
Colonel, she was intending to come
down here with me when I returned
South, at the close Of our school
year, but from some cause was dis.
appointed. How delighted she would
have been to meet you! l shall Ger.
tainly write and tell her what a
splendidly romantic time we had to.
gether. You look so much like Myrtle
wonder l failed to recognize you at
once"
She was rafting on without afford.
ing me the slightest opportunity to
slip in word explanatory, when her
glance CHANGED to fall upor some one
who wa5 approaching us through the
throng.
''Oh, by the way. Colonel, there is
another of Myrtle's old schoolmates
present to-night-a most intimate
friend, indeed, who would never for.
give me II permitted you to "a
without meeting her."
She drew me back hastily.
Edith" she said, touching the
sleeve of young woman who was
slowly passing, Edith, wait just mo
ment,. dear; this is Colonel Curran-
Myrtle Curran's brother. you know,
Colonel Curran. Mrs. Brennan"
CHAPTER XVI.