riding uniform and Anita so amazingly pretty in her blue habit and cap,
cunningly imitating the cavalry uniform, a fetching dress adopted by
all the young ladies who were to take part in the music ride.

The drill and ride were to begin at eight o'clock on Christmas Eve, and
afterward there was to be a big ball, for at Fort Blizzard the young
girls and young officers ended everything with a ball, where they could
"chase the glowing hours with flying feet."


A great silver moon and a mighty host of palpitating stars put the
electric lights to shame on Christmas Eve. When Broussard called for
Anita, a little before eight, she was waiting, already dressed in the
pretty imitation of an officer's uniform--a costume that would make
even a plain girl enchanting, and how much more so the violet-eyed
Anita? Mrs. Fortescue, in a beautiful ball gown, looked quite as
handsome as her daughter. The regimental tailor had been busy all day
letting out Colonel Fortescue's full dress uniform and the Colonel
fondly hoped that a couple of inches he had gained in girth were
concealed by the tailor's art. But Mrs. Fortescue's quick eye
discerned it.

"I declare, Jack," she cried, showing off her own figure, as slim as a
girl's, "I shall have to put you on a diet of lemon juice and slate
pencils if you keep on getting stout!"

At which the Colonel glowered darkly and Anita, putting her arms about
his neck, whispered:

"Never mind, dear, darling daddy, I love you just the same."