Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1912-01-19
ILLUSTRATIONS BY,ARTfiUR T. WILLIAMSON

earn army?"
mo. with Thomas in the Cumber-
land"
"Ah, yes; had some very pretty
fighting out there, | understand-oh,
pardon me, Miss Minor, permit me
to present to you Colonel Curran. Of
General Halleck's staff. The Colonel,
believe, is as able dancer as he is
a soldier, and no higher compliment
to his abilities coul4 possibly be paid.
Miss Minor. Colonel, is a native Vir-
ginian, who is present under protest,
hoping doubtless to capture some
young officer, and thus weaken the
enemy"
l bowed pleasantly to the bright
eyed young woman facing me, and not
sorry to escape the Majors inquisi-
tiveness, at once begged for the re-
ma1nder 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 a
dancer thr. 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. If
1t had not, my companions chance
remark most assuredly would.
How easily you waitz!" she said
enthusiastically, her sparkling eyes
and flushed cheeks testifying to her
keen enjoyment IS Uaey find me
difficult to keep step with that have
become fearful of venturing upon the
floor with a stranger. However, l
shall always be glad to give you a
character to any G. my friends"
Il sincerely thank you," returned
in the same spirit, and can GER
tainly return the compliment most
heartily. 1t is SO long since | was
privileged to dance with a lady that
| confess to having felt decidedly
awkward at the start, but your step
proved SO accommodating that | be-
came at once at home, and enjoyed
the waltz immensely. fail to dis
cover any seats in the room, or l
should endeavor to find one vacant
for you"
"Oh, am not in the least tired"
She was looking at me with so deep
an expression of interest in her eyes
that dimly wondered at it.
"Did 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? ! thought and my heart beat
quickly. Yet retreat was impossible,
and l answered will assumed care
lessness:
81 am. most assuredly, Colonel Cur
ram"
From Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me
with vengeance, and stole one
quick glance at the girls face. 1t
was devoid of suspicion, merely evinc-
ing polite interest.
Il have the honor Of commanding
t., Sixth Artillery Regiment from that
State"
you must pardon me, Colonel, for
my seeming inquisitiveness," and her
eyes sparkled with demuEe mischief.
yet cannot quite understand | was
at school in Connecticut with Miss
Curran whose father was an officer of
artillery from Ohio, and, naturally,
at once thought of her when the
Major pronounced your name; yet 1t
certainly cannot be you-you are al
together too young, for Myrtle must
be eighteen"
] laughed. decidedly lel' wed from
what feared might prove a most
awkward situation.
well, yes, Miss Minor, am in
deed somewhat youthful to be Myrtle's
father" | said at a venture, but |
might serve as her brother. you
know, and not stretch the point of age
over-much."
She clasped her hands on my arm
with gesture of delight
"Oh, am so glad; knew Myrtle
had a brother, but never heard he also
was in the army. Did you know,
Colonel she was intending to come
down here with me when | 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! shall GER
taiply write and tell her what a
splendidly romantic time we had to-
gether You look so much like Myrtle
| wonder 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 upon some one
who was approaching us through the
tLrong.
"Oh, by the way, Colonel, there is
another of Myrtles old scboolmates
present to-night-a most intimate
friend. indeed. who would never for
give me If permitted you to &c
without meeting her."
She drew me back hastily.
Edith, she said, touching the
sleeve of young woman who was
SLOWLY DaSSinv edith mott i,,S+ /, ~