Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-03-15

sorry to escape the majors tnqu1s1-
tiveness, 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 he numerous couples upon the
floor. She proved SO delightful a
dancer that l 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 1t brought a vivid
realization Of my p%erilous 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 l have
become fearful of venturing upon the
floor with a stranger. However,
shall always be glad to give o a
character to any Of my friends"
II sincerely thank you" l returned
in the same spirit, land I can Ger
tainly return the compliment most
heartily. 1t is SO long since / was
privileged to dance with a lady that
l 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
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 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? I thought, and my heart beat
quickly. Yet retreat was impossible,
and l arEwered with assumed care
%lessness:
Il am. most %assuredly. Colonel Cur
ran"
from Ohio?"
This was certainly coming after me
with a vengeance, and l stole one
quick glance at the girls face. It
was devoid of suspicion, merely evinc-
ing a polite interest.
II have the honor OF commanding
the Sixth Artillery Regiment from
that State"
you must pardon me. Colonel, for
my seeming inquisitiveness,' and her
eyes sparkled with demure mischief.
yet I cannot quite understand. I was
at school in Connecticut with q Miss
Curran whose father vas an officer Of
artillery from Ohio. and. naturally, 1
at once thought Of her when the
Major pronounced your name: yet It
together too young. for Myrtle must
be eighteen"
I laughed, decidedly 1el',ved from
what l feared might prove a most
awkward situation.
well, yes, Miss Minor, I am in
deed somewhat youthful to be Myrtle's
father" l said at a venture. but /
might serve az her brother, you
know. and not stretch the point of age
over-much."
She clasped her hands on my arm
with q gesture Of delight.
"Oh, I am. SO glad; l knew Myrtle
had . 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'll l shall GER
tainly write and tell her what q
splendidly romantic time We had to-
gether. You look 10 much like Myrtle
/ wonder I 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 wac 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 I permitted you to 60
without meeting her"
She drew me back hastily.
Edith" she said, touching the
sleeve Of q young who vas
slowly passing. Edith. wait just q mo
ment, dear; this ID Colonel Curran-
Myrtle Curran's brother. you know.
Colone. Curran. Mrs Brennan"