The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-12-06

however, ne received nOte, Dy manu-,
from Mrs. Hamilton, asking him to call
and see her at the Black Swan hotel.
He happened to be just going out
when the note reached him, and so he
thrust It into his pocket-not without a
certain feeling of tenderness at the sight
OF the dainty, delicate characters-and
took his way into the town. He did
not go very quickly, though, he called
at the florists halfway, and bought a
flower for his button-hole-a white rose
bud 1t was. lie met some people that he
knew and staid to chat with them.
But dawdle as he would, he came to
the hotel at last Every one who has
been in York knows that it is not very
far from the cavalry barracks to the
Black Swan. Colonel Cotherstone went
into the hall and asked for Mrs. Hamil-
ton. "Was Mrs. Hamilton at home"
Certainly. Would the gentleman step
this way 2"
And SO they led him up stairs and
ushered him into a room where, seated
by the fire, was lady-a lady with wavy
golden hair, with soft blue eyes, and two
little white hands outstretched to greet
him-his old love Mary Stuart.
elbow am L to thank you ?" she cried.
II have tried for all these five months
to find out what my boy was doing.
couldn't persuade him to come home,
and L have been SO unhappy about him."
HAS he never written to you 2"
80, yes; every week regularly. But
1 did not know that he was in York.
His letters came from London; and the
only address was London postoffice
He said he was not in prison, but he
couldn't tell me any more"
mo, he has not been in prison." Col
onel Cornerstone answered, smiling, as
he thought of the near shaves he had
had in that respect.
81 didn't quite understand your let
ter" said Mrs. Hamilton presently.
"Why should he be ashamed of the pro-
fession he has taken up-too much
ashamed even to tell me what it was
Why should he have any restraint placed
much restraint ?'
my dear Mrs. Hamilton, your son
has enlisted" said the Colonel kindly,
wondering at her ignorance.
':How enlisted ?"
"He is not in my regiment as an Off
cer," he said.
'What My boy common soldier ?'
ga private,' corrected Colonel Goth
erstone gently. eyes, that is what he
ISL
"My boy,'' cried the little woman
brokenly, "my boy, Hamilton of Glen
barry, soldier! Does he have to groom
horse, pray ?"
Certainly"
"And to do stable work %
Eyes"
"Does he have to salute you ="
"Of course" In spite of himself
smile broke over his face. 81 hope that
is not very hard for him."
''Not to you," she said impatiently.
"No one would mind saluting you, of
course; but the others You don't tmean
to say he is obliged to put his hand up
so''-with ludicrous imitation of a
salute-"to all the young subs, to the
riding-master even."
"He certainly has to do So" answered
the Colonel.
Hamilton of Glenbarry salute, touch
his hat to riding-master ~ calculated
Mrs. Hamilton. 81 tell you it is alb.
surd, utterly absurd !"
"Whilst he remains in the ranks it
must be DONE" said the Colonel, smiling
still at her vehemence.
"Then he shall not remain in the
ranks ~ she cried. Chow soon can
have him released 2"
"Will you take my advice he asked,
"and leave him for few months, or un-
til advise you to buy him off?"
''You would do what is best for me ?"
the widow faltered.
"You know would" touching her
hand for moment. That was great ad-
vance for Colonel Cornerstone; but the
oldinauence was strong at work in him.
II don't know why you should be so
good to me-" she said rather forlornIy.
II behaved very badly to you, and
yet"
''Yet what ?" drawing nearer and tax
ing her hand.
II was so unhappy" she said simply.
They were both standing on the rug;
he, large, fine, upright figure in gray
tweed; she, dainty thing in purple
velvet, looking absurdly young to be the