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