The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1919-01-04

pect 10 nn0 the littie scnoOlgirI grown
up like this. did you"
"Nor she me--likc this" answered
Mark humbly But the Colonel's wife
missed the ullusIon.
"Shc has been crazy to see you,r
Mrs. Howard continued. "She gave
the Colonel no rest after he told us
that he was trying to get you for the
war Office. l believe she had always
had sort OF romantic recollection OF
you, and looked upon you as sort Of
guardian, although. Of course, Il was
fortunate thing for her and us--and
you, to0--that Colonel Howard did
succeed In inducing you TO let us take
her. She has been everything to u.s."
"of course" said Mark mechanic
ally.
III would have been n terrible life
for her out IN the desert sighed Mrs.
Howard. IL think that you were very
wise. Captain Wallace. And what n
dreadful burden and responsibility you
you would hive hndw
This time Mark did not attempt TO
answer.
"She has been daughter TO both OF
u.s." pursued his hostess. s"And now
I'm afraid--wc're both afraid. Captain
Wallace, that we cannot hope 10 have
her for long, She was quite the rage
In New York last season"
Wallace followed the girl with his
eyes. She had Just been dancing with
young officer: II had been two
step, ana as the band OF three pieces
broke into the widest and merriest
part of the piece he saw her, with
flushed face and laughing eyes. accept
Kelcrman's arm and surrender herself
10 the dance. -
Kellcrman caught Marks eyes across
the room. He looked straight back
with meaning challenge which was
unmistaknbie. Mark knew nj that
moment that his nntipnthy TO Keller
man had returned. although he was In
clIncd to believe the other was not
aware II had ever existed.
X Herman was 0 splendid figure.
even In his civilian evening clothes
Fully six feet tnll. with the chest and
limbs OF an athlete. norld, with crisp
black hair and sense OF the posses
sion OF power. he looked at least five
years Marks junior though they had
been born In the same year. Hand
come Kellerman" had been his sobrI-
quet In Cubn. Mark remembered IL
across the lapse OF years. and into his
mind there began To filter, too stray
stories about him.
Mark did not judge him by these,
but by the intuition which sent "a cold
wave TO his heart ns he saw him with
Eleanor. II seemed 10 him that Keller
mans look. as he turned 60 the girl.
was one Of intentional conquest--in
another man II might have been called
infatuntlon; and the girl knew II aud
WIS happy In II.
like sword thrust. Had he come
three thousand miles for this? But
what had hecn his thoughts for Ell
ennor, his vague wishes as TO her fu-
ture?
He did not know. He had dreamed
dreamed of her. and never pictured
her as ghe wns.
There was an Informal, siand-up
supper about eleven. Eleanor came TO
Mark aud asked him TO take her to
the buffet. Mark was conscious of
coldncss. or hurt resentment In the
girls manner. as IL he had neglected
her.
lie brought her plate and sat be-
aide her In nn alcOve. They We're alone,
measurably, for the first time that owe
ming.
"Unclc Mark. you are disappointing
me-" said Eleanor.
II know II. and Tin sorry for IT.
said Mark. 81 suppose it's--because
] um not u bit like what you expected
me 10 be-
"You ure not the least bit Ike what
| expected, or remembered, Captain
Mark" She answered.
In his jealousy he was conscious Of 7
The altered prefix. And, as Eleanor
looked at him with hurt In her eyes
she broke of to smile al n young officer
across the room. who returned an ar /
lent gnze across tho rubicund shoul-
iers OF very homely. but most i'm
portant dame whom he was helping 10
"Most of us experience disappoint-
nents In people whom We have ideal I
xcd." said Mark lamely
"You mean--Oh. I'm sure thank
'ou, Captain Wallace" answered the
,irl acIdIy. "Shall we go backf"
But Mark had "A moment OF inspira-
ion.
Before we go. Eleanor" he said.
don't you think we might get to un-
lerstand each other hitler sup
bose have been rude--but, you see.
iave been conscious OF your disap-
,oIntment all the evening. and"