The Scarlet Feather

NER AT

ity, and he was still in the prime of life. Rumors of the undertaking spread through his club, although he endeavored to keep the matter secret as long as possible. Unfortunately, he consulted with that military authority, Colonel Dundas, who was unable to restrain his garrulity concerning anything martial. The current report had it that the colonel intended to make his selection of officers from among certain young men of his acquaintance who were serving, or had served

ilway magnate; Vivian Ormsby, who at this time was a captain in the National Guard; Ned Carnaby, the crack polo-player; Jack Lorrimer, a leader in athletics as well as cotillions; and Harry B

ll into his hand. He folded this within the letter, which he had not time at the moment to read. But he understood the message of the flower, for

the table. Then, the colonel arose, and set forth his plans, and

ncluded, "are willing to go with

ty, with a slightly Jewish cast of countenance, crimped black hair, parted in the centre, a large, but well-shaped nose, a full, round chin, and a low, white forehead-a face that su

s on him, awaiting his rising to complete the group. Yet, he sat there with his fellow-officers standing, Captain Ormsby on one side of him, Jack

xpected prominence into which he 36 was thrown. He was de

sked the colonel

es-the same woman that Ormsby loved. And he saw, too, in a blurred mist, a vision of carnage and bloodshed that was horribly unnecessary and unjust. He could not explain all his

rs to hear, and they laughed awkwardly at the implied taunt of cowardice. Burly Jack Lorrimer, who stood by Dick's side and had had quite enough to d

n Captain Ormsby, and struck him a blow in the face with the flat of his hand that resounded

ensued, and with considerable tact proceeded to make a sho

ored, and the wine was attacked with vigor, everybody drinking everybody else's health. The captain

umiliation. He had allowed his temper to get the better of

he loved, who had been his own, his very own, for only twenty-four sweet hours. He took out her letter, which he had

calls, and her claim comes even before that of your 38 own darling. Oh, I shall hate the days you are away, but it cannot be helped, can it

this note should have been re