d
arranging things at the chaplain's directions. But as long as they
remained in the chapel they mattered little to Broussard.

Anita's cheeks hung out their red flags of welcome.

"At last!" said Broussard, clasping her hand, "I have watched and
waited for this chance!"

In the little secluded spot, with a small, crescent moon stealing into
the sunset sky and the happy stars shining down upon them, Broussard
told Anita of his love. He knew not what words he spoke, for Love, the
master magician, speaks a thousand languages, and is eloquent in all.
Nor did Anita know what reply she made. After a deep and rapturous
silence they returned to earth, only to find it still Heaven.

"I love you better than anything on earth except my honor," said
Broussard, holding Anita's little gloved hand in his.

"Yes," answered Anita softly, "next your honor."

"And I have loved you for a long time," Broussard continued, "for a
whole year." In their brief, bright lives, a whole year seemed a long
time. "But you were so young--last year you were but a child, and I
was ashamed of myself for what I said to you the night of the music
ride--it isn't right to speak words of love to a girl who is not yet a
woman. Will you forgive me?"

Anita's forgiveness shone in her eyes and smiled upon her scarlet mouth
when Broussard laid his lips on hers.

Suddenly, a wild shriek resounded. The After-Clap, who had been in
hiding behind Anita, and was unseen by Broussard, and forgotten by
Anita, emerged and set up a violent protest. Being now a sturdy
three-year-old, he was well able to express himself.

"You go 'way!" screamed the After-Clap, raising a copper-toed foot, and
kicking Broussard's shins.

"You let my 'Nita 'lone, you bad man!"

The After-Clap's shrieks brought the chaplain and Kettle and a couple
of soldiers quickly out of the chapel. Meanwhile, with what Broussard
thought superhuman and intelligent malice, the After-Clap dragged the
iron gate open that led to the plaza, and rushed straight into the arms
of Colonel Fortescue, returning from his first walk, aided by a stick
in one hand and Mrs. Fortescue's arm on the other side.

"Daddy! Daddy! You come here and beat Mr. Broussard. He kissed
'Nita! He kissed 'Nita!" shrieked the After-Clap.

Broussard and Anita, standing in the circle of eyes, were much
embarrassed; Kettle, grabbing the After-Clap, shook him well, saying:

"Heish yo' mouth! you didn't see no sich a t