The Adair County news. [volume] (Columbia, Ky.) 1897-1987, 1918-11-20

vaguely, wondering at the concern on
her face.
"Why you disappeared as you did
from Washington. knew that you
had applied for leave Of absence, be-
cause you had overworked in the hot
weather. But you = never came
back" Her voice broke into sob.
''The Colonel didn't think it strange.
He wouldn't admit that there was any
reason, except that you must have
gone back to your regiment. Did you
and he quarrel, Captain Mark? It's
unthinkable. I could learn nothing
about you, but Major Kellerman had
said you were tired Of the work and
might have got some appointment out
of the service. Their tales were con-
flicting. And you weren't on the army
list any more. Won't you tell me, just
because-you know-because-"
Mark could hardly restrain his feel
ing.
'Pll tell you" said Mark. raising his
eyes. 81 was accused of treachery, of
betraying secrets to enemies of my
country"
Eleanor laughed in little, mirth-
less voice. you're still the same,
Uncle Mark she whispered. did you
think I would believe thatT
lit was not true" cried Mark, net.
tied and desperate. "But it was found
that 1 frequented gambling houses"
you are so fond of money, Uncle
Mark"
81 wanted money. You were rich
and wanted your esteem. wanted
to move in your circles, to win your
favor, as others could"
She gasped and grew red; he saw
that his arrow had gone home. and
went on pitilessly.
"When was at your reception you
had smiles for everyone"
That's enough, Captain Wallace,
she said, with an indrawn breath. "You
insulted me the last time we met, YOU
know, or probably have forgotten. +
I see that all my thoughts Of you
were wrong. was always burden
And when you didn't write so many
years, and when you didn't come tt
see me, thought-oh, I'll tell you now
since you have Inundated me as deep
~ as it is possible to humiliate 6
woman. I thought you stayed away
and kept away because you liked me
and because you were afraid that
might come to care for you, and ruiz
my prospects among the rich yount
officers. L. thought it was sort Of
absurd, misplaced, quixotic chivalry
Captain Wallace"
Wallace was choking. So she hat
known!
But he had won his miserable game
as he realized from her next words:
sit was foolish idea, Captain Wal
lace, and now I've given it up, and
know that men aren't so idealistic ant
chivalrous as I have imagined them
But"-she bent forward-I don't be
lieve you are traitor, Captain Mark !
And over her head Mark saw the tai
figure of Kellerman in the doorway.
The recognition was mutual and in
Simultaneous! Kellerman's surprise wal
changing into sneering challenge
when Eleanor turned, saw the new
conner, and, with a superb effort O.
will, smiled at him.
$50 I see you got here, Sister How
ard" said Kellerman, with a forcet
laugh.
"Just in time," answered the girl
"Have you come to order us all up t.
the trenchesT
"Some of you, but not the ladies
No, I'm attending the General on hi
tour Of inspection Of the lines"
The talk grew indistinct as the,
drifted away. Mark, staring afte
them in a stupor, saw Kellerman not
toward him, and fancied that the cir
made a gesture of pleading.
Neither had noticed him. He reflect
ed savagely that already Eleanor wa
coming to take his status for granted
as the other sisters did.