Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-02-09

ly but firmly, Il should be pleased 10
have you escort me to the house"
These words, gently as they
were spoken. still constituted a COM
mand Her eyes were upon bis face,
and doubt not he read within them
that he would forfeit all her respect If
he failed TO obey Yet he yielded with
exceeding poor grace.
AS 1t seems impossible to con-
tinue," he admitted bitterly, Il sup
pose l may as well go" He turned
and fronted me. his eyes glowing.
But understand. sir, this 10 merely
cessation, not an ending
bowed gravely. not daring to trust
my voice In speech. lest | should yield
to the temptation OF my own temper.
Captain Wayne" she said, glancing
back across his broad blue shoulder,
and l thought there was new quail
ity in her voice, the sting had some
way gone out OF 1t, Il shall esteem
it a kindness IL you will call upon
me before you depart"
with pleasure" I fastened to re-
ply, my surprise at the request al
most robblng me Of speech, but
shall be compelled. to leave at once,
as my troop is already under or
| ders."
81 shall detain you for only a
moment. but after what you have
passed through on our behalf ! am
unwilling you should depart without
realizing our gratitude. You will find
me in the library Come, Frank, I
am ready now"
We remained motionless, watching
| them until they disappeared around
the corner of the shed. Brennan
| walked with stern face, his step
heavy, she with averted eyes, slight
smile of triumph curling her lip. Then
Moorehouse stopped and picked up
| the derringer the Major had thrown
/ away.
by thunder, but she's right" he
& exclaimed emphatically. Il tell you
/ that's a mighty fine woman. Blame
me, If she didn't face US like
queen"
No one answered, and without ex-
changing another word we walked to-
! gether to the house. There found
the remnant of my troop standing
beside their horses, chatting with
dozen idle Yankee cavalrymen who
We're lounging on the wide steps.
The time had come when | must
say final farewell and depart. Not
the slightest excuse remained for fur
Their delay. / dreaded the ordeal, but
no escape was possible, and I en-
tered the house for what / well knew
was to be the last time. My mind
was gravely troubled; l knew not
what to expect, how far / might ven
ture to hope Why had she desired
to see me again? Surely the public
reason she offered could not be the
real one. Had she only been free,
maid whose hand remained her
own to surrender as she pleased,
should never have hesitated. never
have doubted her purpose; but now
that could not be.
AS / knocked almost timidly at the
closed library door a gentle voice
said, Come" and entered, my heart
throbbing like a frightened girls.
She stood waiting me nearly m the
center OF that spacious apartment,
dressed In the same light raiment she
had worn without, and her greeting
was calm and friendly. yet tinged by
proud dignity, cannot describe. /
believed for an instant that we were
alone, and my blood raced through
my veins in sudden expectancy; then
nay eyes fell upon Mrs. Minor COM
fortably seated In an armchair be-
fore the fire, and / realized that she
was present to restrain me from for
getfulness. But In very truth my
lady hardly needed such protection
her speech. her manner, her proud
constraint told me at once most plain
~ that no existing tie between us
had caused our meeting.
Captain Wayne" she said softly,
her high color alone giving evidence
OF any memory of the past. II scarce
ly thought that we should meet again,
yet was not willing to part with you
under any misunderstanding. I have
learned from Lieutenant Cation the
full particulars of your action in con-
nection with Major Brennan. / wish
you 10 realze that appreciate your
efforts to escape a hostile meeting
and esteem you most highly for your
forbearance on the field It was IN
deed a noble proof of true courage.
May / ask why did you fire in the
+, air?"
Had she not held me so away from
her by her manner l should have then
AID there told her all the truth As
1t was l burst not.
i felt convinced that II my bullet
reached Major Brennan 1t would in
jure you. preferred not to do that"
i believed it was for my sake you
made the sacrifice" She paused; then
asked in yet lower tones: WAS my
name mentioned during your conten-
tion-l mean publicly?"
1T was not; Cation alone is aware