Year: 1877

in his ears. He even saw himself, i'm the
standing without his sword, before n
court-martial detailed to try him for
neglect of duty. In the confusion of
his thoughts he could not very accurate
ly determine what would be considered
the exact measure of his military Of
fence. But he could not help feeling
that it would be no advantage to him in
his professional career, even in the most
favorable event. He cursed the evil
hour in which he sought these unlucky
quarters, and heartily wished them, and
everything connected with them, at the
devil. He perplexed his thoughts in
vain with conjectures as to the motives
and the method of the trick that had
been played him; and though he resolv-
ed not TO rest until he had plucked out
the heart of the mystery, still he feared
that the injury to the service and to his
own prospects would be completed before
he could accomplish his purpose. 1t
was u miserable business, altogether. If
he escaped with a reprimand from head
quarters, and with dread laugh of the
mess-table, he would be lucky fellow.


have often wondered how much the
beaming eyes and laughing mouth of
Helen Clairmont mingled in these Wis
ions of the night. am afraid that all
the little loves, by whom he had been
escorted down Hanover street, after he
had put Miss Clairmont into the car
riage, were sent to the right about by
the first tempest of his astonishment
and vexation. But they are volatile
creatures, and though easily brushed
aside for moment, soon return again
to the charge. Like flies, it is easy
enough to drive them away, but before
you can congratulate yourself on being
rid of them, back they are again.


Be this as it may, have the best rea-
sons for believing that they returned be-
fore day break, and buzzed merrily about
the pillow of Ingram. The mosquito
net is not yet invented that can keep
them out. L cannot depone positively
to the exact proportion of his waking or
of his sleeping dreams that was of their
weaving. For L am scrupulous never
to state any fact, or historical docu-
ment like the present, which L am not
| prepared at any moment to authenticate
by affidavit before any magistrate or JUS
tice of the peace. But am quite GER
tain that those soft eyes and that be.
witching smile fioated before his minds
eye, mixed up even with his least pleas
ant antcipations. In case of the worst
| youth and nature would suggest that
| there might be some comfort yet left
him. Though his cup might be a bitter
one, still there was at least one cordial
drop at the bottom of it. Though cen.
sure or derision might visit his misfor.
tune, still there was one whose soft
bosom would feel with him, and who
would view it with the eyes of love, and
not of discipline. Perhaps the events o.
the day and evening had encouraged
this state of feeling. For, to be candid
she had been tolerably encouraging
He felt more sure that she loved hin
than he had ever done before; and al
though he could not exactly define hi
own views and intentions in the prem
ises, still he yielded land who can blame
him p to the delicious dream of love.
any of my readers can recall to recollec
tion the time when he first truly believ
ed that he was beloved by beautiful
young woman, and yet can find it il
his heart to wonder that Ingram shoulC
have gilded the gloomy hours of tina
unlucky night with dreams of Heller
Clairmont, wish he would just do m,
the favor to lay this true history aside
He is not worthy to be my reader. Blu
then it is impossible that there shoul,
be such man.


The hours of the night wore on, ant
at last the morning came. 1t was
black morning to po& Ingram; but h
resolved to meet the unpleasant conse
quences of his mishap with the bes
face he could. AS His candle-light toile
was proceeding, ,tha aorderly sergeant call
ed for his book.


81 shall call myself upon Lord Percy
Williams, Immediately after parade; s.
you need not wait.


"The veteran stared little at thi
deviation from routine, but it was hi
business to obey, SO he bowed and rs
tired.


1t was bitter cold morning, and tn
keen wind was improved in sharpness
by the broad expanse of frozen waite