Evening star., 1914-04-07

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| voice, and it filled the ballroom like an
exploding shrapnel shell. Brainerd had
sprung to his feet. The others instantly
followed him to the position OF attention,
for into the room. headed by the senior
captain. were filing the eight belated
commissioned officers of the squadron.
The senior captain. the adjutant, the
troop commanders and their leutenants
paused in shocked amazement
What the deviir' the adjutant said un-
der his breath. The senior captain looked
more than annoyed.
The tenseness of the situation was re
lieved. to all outward appearance, al
least. by the reception committee. which
rushed innocently forward to take the
newcomers in tow for partners.
I'm afraid you're little late to get
all your dances taken smiled Miss Win
der consolingly.
80 it would SEEM replied the senior
captain with a chilling politeness that
was not lost on Miss Winder.
Now, it happened that the senior cap
tain was man of action and prompt de-
cision. as is becoming of senior cap
tain, and he saw quickly what must be
the plan of action here. Plainly. having
been especially invited. the officers could
not withdraw and leave the Elkton func-
ton to a set of enlisted intruders. To re-
main and permit the warrant officers to
stay was altogether prejudicial to disci-
pline well as contrary to precedent and
common decency. Such a thing was not
to be thought of. The senior captain
motioned Sergt- Maj. Brainerd aside
brusquely
Sergeant" said he severely you will
have an opportunity tomorrow of ex-
planning your presence and that of the
other men at this place tonight You
will withdraw at once with the others.
Pass the order about quietly, but I prefer
that you shall all leave in body so that
those assembled here may see the penalty
of your inpudence in intruding here
Yes, sir. replied Brainerd. Saluting.
He might have explained in a word that
he and the others were there by special
invitation. but the captain had asked
no immediate explanation and Brainerd
was by odds too much the soldier to vol
unteer one. He set about performing his
duty Immediately and to the very best
of his ability, resentment barely occur
ring to him. But he encountered an un-
expected obstacle to the best possible
fulfllment of his mission
Co exclaimed Miss Winder when
he'd told her it was necessary for him
to leave at once. Shed been his intend
ed partner for the first and. last dances,
and had been making herself particular
ly agreeable to him in the bargain.
Yes. ma am he explained. quietly.
There's been a mistake some place
This is an officers dance and were only
men. Them's the real officers just come
in
Miss Winder was an impulsive miss
with a highly developed sense of justice
and no understanding of army etiquette.
"1f you have to go on that account III
just go along" she pouted.
And the same spirit infected the others
of Elktons feminine populace when the
young women learned in quiet words
that their heroes must leave.
well. I'm not surprised in the least"
growled the adjutant by way of reliev-
ing his feelings and the situation The
senior captain appeared on the verge of
stroke of apopleNy. For as the nom
commissioned officers. hats in hand, filed
soberly from the hall each was accom-
panied by his intended partner for the
first dance. When the procession had
become one with the darkness without
there was one solitary female figure re-
naming.
She sat demurely near the musicians
stand. Now. she couldn't have been a
day over forty. and the adjutant, most
imaginative youth. vowed to himself
that she looked for the world like the X
Troop cook in disguise and needing a
shave. The adjutant, having in addition
a slight sense of humor. was the first to
recover.
There appears to be some consolation
left US. anyway" said he. glancing with
out enthusiasm at the forlorn figure
across the hall. Its UP to us to reward
her for her loyalty in remaining, he
added. I'VE can dance with her accord
ing to seniority. You first, captain
The senior captain. recovering himself,
stepped gallantly forward.
Madam" said he suavely. 'tas the
ranking officer present I have the extreme
honor of asking the first dance with you.'
He offered his arm.
'Oh. me-" she simpered. directing a
quick glance of trepidation at the musi-
clans platformI Il don't dance I'm wait
ing for my husband-he's the violin gen.
tleman.'
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