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

sorry TO escape the m jor's inqulsi-
tiyeness, at once begged for the re-
malnder OF the waltz The request
was laughingly granted, and In anoth-
er moment we we're threading our way
amid the numerous couples upon the
door She proved so delightful a
dancer that ! 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 Il brought a vivid
realization OF my perilous position. II
II 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 a stranger. However, ]
shall always be glad TO give you
character to any of my friends"
Il sincerely thank you" returned
in the same spirit. "and can GER
tainly return the compliment most
heartily II is so long since / was
privileged to dance with 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 |
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 l dimly wondered at II.
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 | up against
now? ! thought, and my heart beat
quickly. Yet retreat was impossible
and | answered with assumed care
lessness:
Il am, most assuredly, Colonel Cur
ram
From Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me
with a vengeance, and stole one
quick glance at the girls face. Il
was devoid of suspicion, merely evinc
ing a polite interest.
Il have the honor Of commanding
the Sixth Artillery Regiment from
that State"
you must pardon me, Colonel, foi
my seeming inquisitiveness," and hel
eyes sparkled with demure mischief
Yet I cannot quite understand. was
at school in Connecticut with Mis-,
Curran whose father was an officer O
artillery from Ohio, and, naturally,
at once thought of her when the
Major pronounced your name; yet i
certainly cannot be you-you are al
together too young, for Myrtle mus
be eighteen"
| laughed, decidedly Iel' 'ved from
what ! feared might prove a mos
awkward situation.
well, yes, Miss Minor, am in
deed somewhat youthful to be Myrtle
father" l said at venture, but
might serve as her brother, 20,
know, and not stretch the point Of ag
over-much."
She clasped her hands on my arm
, with a gesture Of delight
: "Oh, am so glad; l knew Myrtl
, had a brother, but never heard he ais
} was in the army. Did you know
| Colonel, she was intending to com
: down here with me when ! returne
} South, at the close of our schoc
/ year, but from some cause was dis
! appointed. How delighted she woul
| have been to meet you shall Gel
q tainly write and tell her what
I splendidly romantic time we had t
( gether. You look so much like Myrtl
!, wonder failed to recognize you q
9 once"
y She was rafting on without affort
e ing me the slightest opportunity t
slip in word explanatory, when he
glance CHANGED to fall upon some on
l who was approaching us through tn
J. throng.
r "Oh, by the way, Colonel, there
e another of Myrtle's old schoolmate
!. present to-night-a most intimat
friend, indeed, who would never TO
l. give me If | permitted you to c
q without meeting her"
v She drew me back hastily.
# Edith" she said. touching IL
g sleeve of young woman who wa
q slowly passing, Edith, wait Just m
, nent, dear; this is Colonel Curran-
\. Myrtle Curran's brother, you kDoV
q Colone, Curran. Mrs. Brennan"