Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-04-10
CHAPTER xV.-cOntInusd.

NNNFNH 81 NNF-G0HhllhHus
For a moment, as I 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 magnlfi-
Gently large,-a surprising apartment,
indeed, even in so superb a Southern
home as this had evidently been, and
its proportions were magnlfied by
numerous mirrors extending from
floor to ceiling, causing the more
distant dancers to appear circling in
space. Brilliantly illumined by means
OF hanging chandeliers that oscillated
slightly to the merry feet; decorated
lavishly everywhere with festooned
flags and tastefully arranged NUM-
lions Of war; gay with the dress uni
forms OF the men and the handsome
gowns of the women, It 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
repartses 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
intoxication 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
secretly longed for just such a hap
pening; felt, indeed, that must again
see her, have speech with her, before
/ went forth alone into the manifold
dangers of the night. It was fool.
hardness, insanity 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, |
could, believe, tear her image from
INV m oy,ooru. h,,+ xuhSIn 7 ~ 5o.,kA.a
land in spite of all l had heard |
doubted stilD, 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 !
knew from those chance words over
heard in the chimney, and my one
deep hope ever since ! donned that
Federal uniform and ventured down
the stains Ga hope most oddly mingled
with dresd) was that we might in
some manner be brought together.
was yet vainly seeking a glimpse oil
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 l may have replied
know not, but 1t was evidently trans
lated as an affirmative, for in another
moment ! was being piloted down the
side of the long room, while he gos
siped in my rather inattentive ear.
"As you have doubtless remarked
Colonel, we are extremely fortunat,
In our ladies tonight. BY Jove, the!
would grace an Inauguration ball a
Washington. So many officers wive
have joined us lately, supposing VI
would make permanent camp here
and besides there are more loyal fam
lilies in this neighborhood than W
find usually. At leass their loyalt
is quite apparent while we remain
Then the General Hospital nurses ar
not especially busy,-no battle lately
you know,--and there are som
deuced pretty girls among them. Bal
room looks nice. don't you think?"
Extremely well; the decoration
are in most excellent taste"
Entirely the work Of the stat
Great pity so many were compelled {
be absent, but a soldier can nevC
tell. Here upon special duty, Colonel!
81 brought dispatches from th
President to General Sheridan"
wish you might remain with
permanently. Your command, I b
lieve, is not connected with our Eas
earn army?
mo, with Thomas in the Cumbe
land"
"Ah, yes: had some very prett
, fighting out there, underestimate
pardon me, Miss Minor, permit n
to present to you Colonel Curran,
! General Halleck's stan. The Colon'
l believe, is as able a dancer as he
a soldier, and no higher complimel
. to his abilities coula possibly be pal
Miss Minor. Colonel, is a native v
ginian, who is present under prote'
hoping doubtless 10 capture son
young officer. and thus weaken 4
enoGly
!. I bowed pleasantly to the brigl
aFed young woman facing me and u