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The Pride Of The Eve. "Well, don't read too much, try to sleep a little," and with a kindly glance back. my father steps through we door. ' "You ara sure there is nothing else yaw want, Arthur 2" "Quite oea‘ta'm. father. I’m perfect- ly comfortable.” Reclining- in my padded armchair. I cannct keep back bitter thoughts as my eye travels round my room; it is hung wilth dark silk curtains to soften the light; om the floor is a carpet. which deadems all sound; and though it is only early autumn. a fire smould- ers in the grate. from before which Dick, my little fox-terrier. blinks honestly 1111! at me. I rise. adjust my crutch. and hob- ble over to the window. pull aside the curtain): and look out. My! father is just disappearing. Along the road. fifty yards away. are oantering a man and a woman. How I wish 1 could still ride my Arab! If my eye does not devolve me. this couple are young and in the first flush of the real enjoyment of life. As they sweep past the gate, the girl raises her eyes, and they must have met those of the young fellow, for she turns :her face away like a flash. But already ‘they are behind the hedge, and out of View. With the aid of my crultch again Imake my way back to a 10mg lon lounge near the fire, and get slowly settled on it. I give my- self up to my wistful thoughts. My «memory goes back to the time when I had just left the military college, and returned home, proud of my appointment, to a lieutenancy in the Royal Canadian Infantry. I had been offered on graduation a com- mission in th'e Engineers in the 1m- perial service, but preferring to reâ€" main in Canada, had accepted the nomination to our own nativa corps. My section of the regiment was stationed at Toronto, and thither I went to join it. As when I was at college, I had plenty of money. for 'my mother's death five years before had Left me a comfortable fortune. This enabled me to enter into the social life of the cityâ€"a side of ex- istence of which I have always been very fond. The officers of the garri- son never suffered from any lack of invitations, either, for the scarlet tunic seems to catch a lady's eye. I soon felt quite at home and enjoy- ed my life immensely in Ithe provincial capital. I had a certain amount of wank to do; Iate well, drank well, and paid as much attention to the other sex as was good for me. But any flirtatious I indulged in never went beyond flirtatious; and I re- member laughimg to myself and ral- lying my brother-officers, when, a few weeks after meeting some girl or other whose face had struck them, they would suddenly begin to talk seriously of. marriage, and about) how a. fellow really ought to settle downâ€" that is to say if they were success- ful wooers, which by no means al- ways happened. One onf the best known men in Toronto was Colonel Nelson, aveteran otf the Reid of '66, and a. chum of my father's since boyhood. \Vhen I first arrived in the city the Colonel invited me to come and see Mrs. Nelson and himself whenever I felt inclined. I very often took advant- age of his hospitality. I had been spending the evening with them one June day and he and I were sitting smoking a. cigar after dinner. We had been talking over the situation in South Africa, on whose horizon the war clouds were alreldy gathering Then a pause had come. "I can't believe I am between fifty and sixty years old, Cranston," said the Colonel suddenly. "Oh, I‘don't mean that, but when I sit here opposite you, I think I see your father againâ€"you. are so l'Lke himâ€"and I seem to be a boy once more and forget I have a daughter who is to come out this winter. \Vhat a. splendid-looking chap Harry Grana- tonâ€"yorur father. I meanâ€"was!â€"a face a Jew would take on trust, and as strong- as Samson." "Exuuse me. Colunel,” I interrupted. “You have just one daughter, haven’t "I should never have taken you for that." you “Yes, Violet is all I have left now. She is in England at present finish- ingâ€" her education. She would have 'been here a year ago, but took some tad about getting a. training in hos- pital nursing. She will sail for Montreal 21 week from toâ€"day. That‘s her picture over there on the mantel." I got up and fireâ€"place. “We just got “9, I thought stepped ovar to the that about a month you , had seen it," went on Colonel Nelson. "and Violet writes that they tell her in England it is very like her. She does not seem to have changed much." All this time I was looking at the photograph only half hearing what was said. The features were those of a gir‘l about twenty, they were not remankable for their regularity. The face was oval and refined. but the striking- thing wasfâ€"I hardly know how to describe itâ€"the extraordin- arily fascinating and interesting ex- pression. at once sweet and resolute. "When did you say she was coming home?" I asked. laying the portrait aside. "She sails next Thursday." "And she has been in Germany. was it, or France 2" The Colonel looked at me. “In Engâ€" land, at Cheltenham." he added. I excused myself early. but in go- ing oruit met Mrs. Nelson, in the hall. "I am. afraid you must find it dull, Captain, let me congratulate you: this is the first time I have seen you since your promotion, since you ceas- ed to be Lieutenant Cranstonâ€"awhut was I saying? Oh». yes; I’m afraid you must find it dull here, for we are getting old, and the house is quiet, but perhaps in the autumn it will be livelier." "Dull l" I answered, "not a bit, Mrs. Nelson. There is no place in Toronto where I feel so much at home. I a]- ways prefer old friands to new ones." Apart from a notice in a society paper to the effect that, "the charm- ingly interesting daughter of Colon- el and Mrs. Nelson, had returned to Canada, and was spending the gay summer months at the bains-de-mer at Murray Bay," I heard nothing of the Nelsons till they reached Toron- to again in September. “Oh, you are going ’to spend the summer there ?“ "Yes, the Colonel and I are to meet Violet in Montreal, and than take her with us to Murray Bay for July, and August." “I shall not forget your invita- tion." I said as I bade them good night. "I hope you will not forget us when we come back in rthe fall from Murray Bay.” About the time of their return private business called me home for a couple of weeks, and while there an invitation was forwarded from the Nelsons to a. dance at their house. Presumably Miss Nelson was to come out. Of course I was much put out. at not being able to meet the original of the photograph which hid so in~ terested me, out I had to decline. I called one afternoon the week folâ€" lowing my return to the city. Mrs. Nelsocn came into the drawing-room "Why, 11on do you do, Captain Cran- ston? I am so glad to see you, but so sorry you. were out of town the other evening: How is your fath- er '2" "You are still the flatterer, Cap- tain. I am so sorry, Violet is unwell today, has a. dreadful headache, and cannot appear." in a moment. Iwas sorry, too. Howaver Mrs. Nel- son. I don't need to ask. you how. you are," I added, "for I have eyes." I was sorry too However. Mrs. Nel- son asked me for dinner the following evening. This time we did meet. I think I see her now. She was tall, noticeably tall, even among the tall women of to-day. But she was no lath of a girl. Her figure was already rounded. Her carriage, upright and easy, appealed to the soldier's eye. Her hair was almost black, her skin dank, but clear. and the tide of blood ebbed and flowed through her cheeks. But it was her eyes which betrayed the mystery of that strange- ly imteresting' expression I had won- dered at in her photograph. They were hazel.” A thousand lights flash- ed from. them at once. Passion and modesty were both there. One mom- ent I saw gentleness, the next, resoâ€" lution. A certain hauteur and graci- ousness kept strange company. 111.1101]. A cerLuiu uautuui uuu 5 ousness kept stranrze company. "Violet." Mrs. Nelson was saying, "this is Captain Crunston, a very old friend of ours." "You are a horseman, Captain Cramton. I think I heard mother say. There is just time before din- ner, and if it is not too dark would you mind giving me your opinion of a new lhorse father has just bought n18. He said that before he closed the bar- gain, he wanted you to see her. He is not home yet, so I just thought I‘d ask you myself. But perhaps you don’t feel like going out again '3" she concluded, giving me a curious, half- sh’y' loolk. "0n the contrary," I answered at once, "nothing would give me more pleasure My horse and my profesâ€" zifom are the two things I am fond l So off LGUA‘ from New Yank." “Never mind the trousseuu; you can do without one." "\Vell, but, no, Ioan't, you don't understand. Men are so absurd. But just think, Arthur, we've only known each other such a short time. it wouldn't be decent." "Decency be hanged l" "Besides that, you ’ve gone and volunteered for South Africa, and ’Im so afraid they‘ll accept you. If you do go. we could n‘t possibly be married till you come back But if you are not ,chcsen for the contingent, why then, perhapsâ€"â€"” she glanced up, caught my eye, and blushed furiously. My heart bounded. I kissed her and returned filled with vague and de- lightful thoughts to the barracks. in [hemorning paper twu days later we started to inspect thelthe list of commissions for the first "You are a horseman, Captain Cranston. I think I heard mother say. There is just time before din- ner, and if it is not too dark would you mind giving me your opinion of a new theme father has just bought me. He said that before he closed the bar- gain, he wanted you to see her. He is not home yet, so I just thought I'd ask you myself. But perhaps you don't feel like going out again ’3" she concluded. giving me a curious, half- Sh’y' look. "On the contrary." I answered at arms, "nothing would give me more pleasure. My horse and my profesâ€" sion are the two things I am fond of." ' new mount. which turned out to be a splendid beast. The best part of it was that Miss Nelson accepted; an in- vitation to go out riding the next afternoon. During dinner the talk centred in South AIriozL The Colonel insisted that if war broke out, Canada must send troops. “I know," he said, “two men who will go if they have to swim there; one is called Granston and the other Nelson." "The idea!" laughed Mrs. Nelson, but with some alarm in her voice. "We'll go together. Colonel," said "You my, my boy. bmt I’m afraid I'm too old. They'd never take me." he answered with a. glum look. and an amused glance at his wife. The next day Violet and I had our ride. My Arab was put to it to keep pace with her mare. As we swept along Forest Hill Road, and then away across the breezy common, I let Violet get a. little bit ahead, so that I could watch her splendid figure as she rode. She had perfect control over her animal. and as I drew up again to her. I saw the blood glow- ing in her face from the mad gallop through" the brisk autumn air. People, Inoticed,‘turned as we scudded past and looked after her. They showed their good sense, if not their good manners. I had laughed at other men's heads being turned in a few weeks at the sight of a pretty girl. I had to in- clude myself in the laugh le. But this time I found it was no laughing matter. It was no wealk sentimental feeling I bore towards Violet. I wanted to be near her; my heart throbbed wildly whenever I saw her. I dreamt of her at night; I wolke up in the morning thinking of her; I could read no‘thing; every printed page turn- ed into a. picture of her. This could not go on long; nor did it. At the end of a month I had offered her all a man can offer a woman. Her answer Wal to lay her head upon my shoulder. Everything Went well. Colonel Nelson was extremely kind. What he said I have no intention of repeat- ing. They were the words of. the Canadian gentleman that he is. n his: fair-haired fellow with blue: eyes. I saw at once that he found his cousin very attractive. and this fair-1 ly set me Wild. It is said that pea-i ple are apt to admire their opposites.‘ and I was silly and jealous enough‘ to fear that Violet might be estrangâ€" ed from me. The very sight of Frank Hamilton made me so.ka and silent and savage. I was rude to him, churl-, ish and snappy. I don't know wheth- er he understood or not, but anyhow he continued his debonair attentions, to Violet. The war had already broken out, and I had volunteered for service to Africa. If I were not ac- cepted. I determined upon being mar- ried at once. Of course if I were to go to the Transvaal. it would be sense- less and unfair to ask Violet to con- sent to orur immediate union. I went up to the Nelson's that very evening. Violet met me in the porch alone. “There isasomething I want you to promise me," I said, as we went into the drawing room. “\Vha'c is it, Arthur ?" My blood leapt as I looked at her. She was dressed for the theatre. Her fine figure was seen to perfection in a tight fitting gown of dank-colored siLk, which exactly suited her rich, southern complexion; and over all: the picture glowed the subdued red light from a shaded table lamp. “1 want you to set our wedding day." I answered. "for some time within the next two months." “Oh, I can’t do that, no," and she gave me a very decided look. "Why not "I" t “I couldn't possibly be ready; just think, only eight weeks, and so much to do. “'hy, my trousseuu is to come Shortly after our engagement a nephew of the Colonel's came to visit them. He was a fine looking chap. do go, we till you c. chosen to perhapsâ€" contingent was announced. I was nominated to a lioutenancy. Of course all idea. of marriage had to be put aside. Instead of passing my time settling the interesting details of a honeymoon. my hours Were spent in afever'Lsh preparation for the long journey to Cape Town. I remvmber when I went to say good-bye ’to Violot. She was looking pale and anxious, I thought. Yet it only added to the fascination and beauty of her expression. I could see she spoke under considerable strain, but. like the highâ€"spirited girl she, was, she made no sign. l I must have beenl unconcious a long I ltime. When Iat last came to, Il lfound myself in what looked like the l ‘bedroom. ofia private house. I could l lnot at first understand what was the l Imatter. A few things Inoticed. Steps ; lwere sounding every minute outside, lmy door. The air was heavy with ldrugs. It was very hot and I could1 ihear groans from somewhere. I' glanced up at the window and saw Ithat it must be evening, for the light }came in dusk and red. Iwas becom-- ling a little wider awake now, and sudu denly became aware that I was not‘ lalone. A nurse was sitting in a chair at lthe. foot of my bed. She seemed to be lasleep, and as hers was the only direc- itionv in which I could look, [or to |move pained me, I fell to watching 'her. as she. sat shadowed in the fading l light. "I am proud to see you go to South Africa. Arthur, butâ€"" "I will come back, if Ihave to de- sert." Iaaid, "I could do it now.” She smiled and shook her head. "I think {0-0 much of you to believe that," she aaid. "Now go." she exclaimed; and saying this, she pulled agold pin with ahead in the form of an enamelled vio- let from her collar and stuck it in my tunic. “And: bring that back to me," she Went on. "an-dâ€"â€"" She paused out of breath. I stood watching her. She drew herself up and those hazel eyes flashed with lights I have never seen before or since. "Andâ€"and," she burst out, "yes, I will, and nobody can hinder me. [will go, too.” "To South Africa 1" Igasped. "Yes, South Africa! I will enlist as a nurse. I have had some training in England. I will gb and nurse you, if you are wounded. There!" I have no intention of entering into any account of the weary voyage to cape Town. the long- wait at De Aar, and the exhausting cross-country march after Cronje. Iwas not wound- ed ,at Paardeberg. nor was Istruck during the advance on Bloemfontein. It was at a little skirmish outside the Free State Capital, after the occupa- tion of the town by our troops, thatI was hurt. A shell burst near me, and the explosion shattered my left leg, tore two fingers off my right hand, and blinded one eye. "How tired the poor girl looks I” I was thinking, "not bad-looking either; seems to be like somebody I know; wonder‘ who it is? I have it: if she were n't st) worn and pale and thin, she might pass for Violet, that is if her eyes are rightâ€"most likely they ’re only brown. Wonder where Violet is now? Round Bloemfontein somewhere, Isuppose. Queer we’ve never met since she landed. Wonder where I am? If she knew I were laid up. she’d be hereâ€"" "Oh, Arthur, my love. at last! But yow must n’t speak, not award." But she stood looking at me so wistfully and kissed me again. And so my thoughts rambled on. My gaze turned once more to the nurse, who had moved. Just then she woke up with a little start, and instantly looked round at me. Our eyes met, and a moment later Violef’s lips touch- ed mine. There was asingular feeling and a new one for me in that kiss. Whether it was from sheer bodily weakness or for some other reason, there rushed through me no surge of passion. I thrilled, butâ€"perhaps it was simply because I was not strong- enough physicallyâ€"my blood did not beat in my temples, as it used to; on the con- trary a quiet contentment, a sort of faraway dreamy happiness crept over me, and in my hazy joy Ilay bacld on the. pillows and with half shut eyes watched Violet, who, shaking her head and; with her finger on her lips, was stealing back to her chair. Evidently she thought I had fallen asleep again. She sat down and turn- ed her head partly away from me. My pale she was! Her eyes whichI re- mtmbered at Toronto, when they danced and blazed in perfect health, were now dull and weary-looking, though some of the 01d light brighten- ed' them for a moment when T had first recognized her. Her hands lay before her in her lap. Her knuckles stood out, and the skin hung puckered over her fingers. And now thin she had. become! Her figure was nd longer one series of faultless curves It was angular nowI and her shoulder! \vere bent forward. But my eye’ al< ways came back to the pinched, juded,_ pale face. and she must have felt my gaze upon her, for she turned, and rose smiling, and came over and laid her cheek against my bandages. She looked fondly at. me and kissed me on the. eyelids. "You‘ are to go to sleep, darling," she eaid. I tried to raise myself and speak but fell bmck sweating and almost faint- ing with agony. ‘ "0h, Arthur, please lie still; do, just for to-night.” I could only look at her. She leaned forward and kissed me again. and in the gathering darkness once more that strange thrill of quiet contentment passed through me, and I lay back on my pillows and fell asleep. I .did not waken till the next morn- ing When Iopened my eyes Violet was standing beside. me with her hand to her head. She was not no pale an the day before. - - . . . . ALWA- um um, ....... "Well. how do feel toâ€"day, AuthurI Yaw are looking much better." "Yes, I feel very different this morning." I answm‘ed. "And your colour is much brighter toâ€"duy, too. We‘ll be able to doa little talking and pass away the time. Why is it you: don’tabzmdou such a helpless wreck as I am 8" I went on gaily. She smiled faintly and put her hand over her eyes. r7. . .a r_‘_ Lu“ "1 think Iwill soon be as much of awrecl: as you are, Arthur, I feel so strangely this morning, and my skin is just burning." She laid her hand on my brow». "Why yes, dear, you are very fever- ish. You must tell McKenzie when he comes round. You'll have to knock off work. But you must hold out a little longer, and then you will help them to load me on atransport, and we‘ll both 1 ave this hole of an Africa." "Is ylom'r'h'ééd aching, Violet? Iam afraid yow are overdoing yourself," I said. _ _ nun-u “5...... She looked over at me, a twinkle lighting her eyes, which had a curious dullness in them Vthat_ mar-hing. L I am making scarcely any headway in recovery. In spite of what the doctors say and what my poor father does his best to persuade himself is true, I know perfectly well that I shall never be restored to health. I was looking the other day at aphotogmph I had taken just before leaving Canada for the Cape. Instead Ufa. man coming into the prime of life, I am only a broken, tottering scaffolding. ready to der to pieces at the mere breath of of die vase. "TV-{one} gmiied and said, "Yes, just a little while." Then she went over td her chair and sat dowfig vyeargly. "I;th.i&é}1:t_~$eg; Violet, How Inn) to ask you to marry me when we get home again." "ASE‘r/Ygu‘s‘iyf‘flf-iâ€"olgtil’rm in Earnest. I’m a cripple for life. I’m only half a man. I’ve lost aleg, a hand, and an eyeâ€"n "Don’t talk nonsense; Arthur. I once said to myself that the only man I could marry must be an Apollo; that is not so long ago”â€"and she looked me straight in the faceâ€""but I have changed since then, and now”â€"once more the tired face lighted â€" “un- til you desert me. I will not give you‘ up. andâ€"â€"-" A: step sound out side the door. “Good morning, Cranston." It was Dr. McKenzie. "Well, Miss Nelson, I don't need to ask how our patient is," and the surgeon turned cheerin to- wards Violet, who was standing beside eye of mind, she i and jewels. uppea her eyes glowing and love. No, no ly attired, her che eyes are weary: y‘ she commenced. "I 1y she rieeAleq slightly. him w "70h, I7 feel soEtra'ngely this morning Doctor. I think it must be the heat.’ and Violet sank back into the chair in McKenzie instaxitly called a. couple of attendants, and among them they carried her away. He was gone be- fore Icould ask any questions. a B\VOOD. I cannot write any longer about this. That was the last time I saw Violet. She had taken enterio fever. As her constitution was shattered by the constant overwork, she could make no fight against it, and a few days later succumbed. Ilearned this after- wards, for they dared not tell it to me then, as Iwaa too weak. They said she had been invalided home that very day. That of course kept me from ex- pecting to hear from 'her fora con- siderable time. When they finally told me the truth I had a relapse. Three. months later Iwas helped a- shore at Montreal. My father was at the duck to meet me. He brought me home. Colonel Nelson came here to see me as soon as I arrived. He entered my room silently, and came and stood at the-head of my couch. ‘He took my sound' hand and wrung it. The tears gathered in his eyes. He turned his face aside. He caught his breath, wrung my hand again, and rushed from the room. From paying no attention to world beyond the grave, my whole tel-est in centred in that shadow-12 to which my gallant-hearteigirl gone a little while before. But thought of her causes no passion burn within me, dens not make veins throb, nor my heart tighten. no! When her form comes before eye of mind, she is not drnsned in E and jewels. appealing to the sen: pyvsare weary; yet an infinite s ness beams in Lhnm. And wbe my dreams she lmns over and to her lips to minru ineteml 0f the 01: boiling of the blood a fe'ling of feet contentmr-nt steaxs over me [lie back (1/19in on my pillow: forget the.oitternw at 1!: all. TThe, improvcmzntfllgegan gut night," d. she is not drnssed in silk :. appealing to the sensns, 'lnwing in the light of life No, no 1 She is simply, plain- hur cheeks are wan, and her aary; yet an infinite sweet- 3 in them. And when in a she anns over and touches minru instand nf the old mad the blood a fe'ling of per- sleep, darling," ,” Suddenly In to :9. my :1. Ah, 6 the the and has the and