The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-04-27

White and Black knights on the mimic
neld. At last the two chiefs-Lord
Oathcart for the Whites, and Captain
Watson Of the Guards. for the Blacks
-were alone contending furiously,
when tho marshal Of the field rushed
In between. and struck up their weap.
ons. declaring the contest done, the
honor Of each side proven. As the
company broke no, flowing forward to
the great house beyond. the vast
crowd of onlookers burst through the
guard lines. and, like mighty torrent,
swept over the field. It was wild,
5ubilant. yelling mass. 80 dense as to
be Irresistible. even those of us on
horseback being pressed forward,
helpless chips on the stream.
I endeavored to precs back. but my
FESTIVE animal, startled by the dig Of
the spur, the yells. the waving of
arms, refused t. face tho tumult, and
whirled madly about. For moment
! all but lost control. yet even as he
plunged rearing into the air, saw be.
fore me the appealing face Of a won.
an. How she ehanced to be theirs
alone. In the path Of that mob, !
know not; where her escort had dis.
appeared, and how sho had become
separated from her party, has never
been made clear. But this I saw, even
as I struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish fig.
ure attired as lady o. the Blended
Rose. a white. frightened face, arms
outstretched, and dark blue eyes be.
seeching help. Already the front of
the mob was upon her. unable to
swerve aside because Of the thousands
pushing behind. In another moment
she would be underfoot. or hurled into
the air. Reckless Of all else, dug
In my spurs. yelling to the Light ORA.
COON beside me. even as my horse
leaped. / scarcely know what hap.
pened, or how 1t was accomplished
only had the reins gripped in my
teeth. both my hands free. That in.
slant / caught her; the next she was
on my arm, swung safely to the saddle,
held to ne with grip of steel, the
animal dashing forward beneath his
double burden into the open field,
Then tho dragoon, riding madly,
enpped the bit, and the affair was
over, although we must have gal.
loped hundred yards before tho
trembling horse was brought to q
stand. Leaving him to the control of
the soldier, sprang to the ground,
bearing tho lady with me. We were
behind one OF the pavilions, facing tho
house. and she reeled as her feet
touched the earth, SO that l held her
from falling. Then her lashes lifted,
and the dark blue eyes looked into my
face.
"You must pardon my roughness." ]
npologized. "but there was no time
for ceremony"
She smiled. flood Of color comins
back into the clear cheeks. as she
drew slightly away.
Il appreciate that, SIR" frankly,
shaking out her ruf1led skirts, land
you have made knighthood real"
"Then," ventured. may l hope to
receive the reward, fair lady?"
She laughed, little tremor Of ner>
vousness in the sound, but her eyer
full of challenge.
And what is that7"
your name: the hope Of better 40
quaintance."
Her eyes swept my uniform CUES
tioningly.
You are not Of the garrison?"
mo; a courier Just arrived from
New York"
yet an officer; surely then you will
be present tonight?"
THE privilege is mine: If sufficient,
ly tempted / may attend"
Tempted! How, sir?"
by your plcdging me dance"
She laughed again. one hand grasp
Ing the long silken skirt.
You ask much-my name, a better
acquaintance, dance-all this 10,
merely saving me from a mob. You
are not modest knight, 1 fear. Sun.
pose refuse?"
"Then am l soldier enough to coms
unasked. and win my welcome"
L thought AZ much" the Iona
1ashes opening up to me the depths
OF the blue eyes. II promise nothina
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