The Monticellonian., 1915-03-11
CHAPTER XVIII.
A Chance f@Plan.

That day and the next Westerling had no time for strolling in the gar den. His only exercise was few periods of pacing on the veranda. Fur cas- as tirelessly industrious as ever, developed an. increasingly quiet insist enee to leave the responsibility of de eisions about everything of importance to chief who was becoming increas- ingly arbitrary The attack on Enga- dir being the jewel of Westerling' s own planning, he was disinelined to risk success by delegating authority, which also meant sharing the glory of victory.
 Bouehard's note. though officially dis missed as a matter Of pathology, would not accept dismissal privately. In flashes of distinetness 1t reeurred to him between reports of the progress of preparations and directions as to dispositions. At dusk of the second day, when all the guns and troops had their places for the final movement un- der cover of darkness and he rose from his desk, the thing that had edged its way into a crowded mind took possession of the premises that strategy and tactics had vacated It passed under the same analysis as his work. His overweening pride, so sen. sitiye to the suspicion of a conviction that he had been fooled, put his rela. tions with Marta in logical review. He had fallen in love in the midst of war A cool and intense impatience pos | sessed him to study her in the light of his new skepticism, when turning the path of the first terrace. he saw her watching the sunset over the crest of the range.
 She was standing quite still, a slim soft shadow between him and the light which gilded her figure and quarter profile. Did she expect him? he won dered Was she posing at that in stant for his benefit? When she turned her face in the shadow. the glow of the sunset seemed to remain in her eyes, otherwise without expres sion. yet able to detect something un usual under eXternals as they ex changed commonplaces of greeting.
 Well, there's a change in our off cial family We have lost Bouchard- transferred to another post!a said Westerling
 Marta noted that, though he gave the news casual turn, his scrutiny sharpened.
 Is that SO? I can't say that my mother and l shall be orry." she re marked. "He was always glaring al us as if he wished us out of sight Indeed, if he had his way, I think he would have made us prisoners of war Wasn't he a woman-hater?" she con cluded. half in irritation, half ir amusement
 He had that reputation said Yves terling What do you think led tc his departure?a he continued.
 T confess cannot guess!" saiC Marta, with look at the sunset glow as if she resented the loss of min ute of it.
 There has been a leak of informa tion to the Brownsi" he announced
 There has! And he was inteHi genee officer, wasn't he?n she asked turning to Westerling. her fDv apparently aroused as matteNg Ind tesy to his own interest in th Pub jeet. ral sn'
 Who do you think he accusS" "S Why, you" he added, with a peculia; laugh.
 She noted the peeuliarity of tn, laugh discriminatory
 Oh. Her eyes opened wide fl wonder-only wonder. at first. Then as comprehension took the place o wonder. they grew sympathetic. "Tha explains." she exclaimed His hate ful glances were those of delusion. H, was going mad, 5u mean?'
 "Yes," said Westerling. "that-tha would explain it!
 T have been told that when peopl' go mad they always ascribe every in jury done to them to the person wh, happens to have excited their dislike.