The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-06-23
MISS BENCE's BRITISH LOVER.

MISS BENCE'S BRITISH LOVER.
1t was on lovely morning in May
that very dapper young gentleman
stood leaning against a tree in the woods
that then as now, topped the rock-hilled
Palisades overlooking the lordly Hud
son. He was attired in all the Drawer,
Of silk, and powder and ruflles, and al
his feet lay half a dozen volumes on
which an army of ants we're marching
with directness of purpose that caused
great events in ant-land later on.
From the pose of this belaced young
gentleman and the care which he took
to adjust the rutiies over his waistband
as it dangled, the elbow leaning against
the tree, it was pretty evident that he
was waiting for one of that sex which
has ruled the world ever since Eve ate
that indigestible apple.
He was a handsome young man tC
whom powder became handy, and like
most handsome youths was perfectly
aware of being a handsome youth.
"She comes," he said braVely. 'tPish
| wish that my heart would not rap SC
against my ribs, and 1 know am becom-
ing pale"
The rustling of bushes and brambles
announced All approach, and in a couple
of seconds Il bright, fair-haired, blue
eyed, checked, cherry-lipped
maiden stepped up to where the ants
were marching over the books.
"I am Il little late, George" she said
after half-a-dozen kisses had passed be.
tween them, "but couldn't help it; for
a lot Of gentlemen came to see papa, and
l had to see after refreshments for man
and horse"
Company at the manor, Jac2'
"Not exactly company, George; but
you see, papa is very determined against
the iron rule Of England, and l fear''-
here she dropped her voice. s'there is
going to be rough work, for one of the
gentlemen spoke of raising a regiment,
and"
"What nonsense, Jacl We are very
we'll off under British rule. There are
always people ready to complain-al-
ways grumbling. Surely these gentry
do not dream Of indepenience?n
"And why not?" replied the girl al
most haughtily, her short upper lip curl
ing, her thin nostrils expanding.
Stuff and nonsense, Jac2"
81 don't see whywe should submit-''
"YOu little REBEL" he burst out, "I
must stop such seditious language.
And he did so in that way which is
usual to lovers.
George L'Estrange was the son Of Sil
Henry L'Estrange, All English gentle,
man Of birth, who had come over in the
| capacity OF secretary to the governor.
Having met a very beautiful young
lady, whom he espoused contrary to the
wishes of the old baronet in England,
Whc was as proud as he was careless, Sii
Henry settled in America where he made
small fortune III the cultivation of
tobacco.
a friend, to whom he had loaned g
thousand pounds, having died and left 4
property Oh the Hudson in lioa of the
cash, Sir Henry migrated to the
Manor" where he resided in good
style with his lady, one son, George, one
daughter, Jacqueline, and numerous
routine Of white and colorcd servants.
Adjoining the manor was the property
of Ephraim Bence, a worthy merchant
OF Gotham: between whose only child
and George L'Estrange sprang up that
mutual, feverish delight commonly
known as love.
MIR. Bence did not at first oppose
George L'Estrange's intimacy with his
daughter, but of late anti-British feel.
ings had become 50 intense that he
politely informed the young man if he
wished to avoid learning that which he
could not stomach, he would cease his
visits.
Every day the great spirit of independ
ence was engaged in upheaval and
George was compelled to take the hnt
Of the sturdy American.
!"We must meet elsewhere, darling,' y
he said, and as the woods which separ-
ated the two domains, and every path
way was known to the two lovers, {
particular beech tree was destined tt
become their trysting place.
Insensibly but by degrees, Jacquelint
Bence felt the spirit Of patriotism budd
Ing in her fresh young heart, and d
length came a pang OF sorrow that hel
George could take no part in the grea
work that was now 80 steadily progress
ing. George called her 'rebel." Sh(
would retallate by clubbing hin
"tyrant.'
A few skirmishes and it was mutually
resolved never to refer to the subject o.
independence, but somehow or othcr i
would crop out, when Georges tone wa
one OF insulting superiority, Jacqueline'
that Of insulting determination. o.
these occasions they would VOW never t,
see each other more, and the girl would
return to her home, her eyes red will
weeping, and her heart sorer than he
!eyes.
| Mr.. Bunce one day summoned JAG
queline.
"My child,"h said, "you are Ameri
can born and raised. SO am l, SO Is you
mother. Now your blood is too good
Your heart is too honest, too honest tt
let you act tho part of treachery to you
country. Youmust give up this whipper
snapper Britisher who has just captaine'
himself in order to drive us out of Ne,
York. am Too feeble to fight, but
can use pen, and tongue, and by Jove
so long as q faculty Is left, III cry IN
surrenderI'"
"I'll see George" she said.
| L'Estrange met her by appointment
at the old beech tree, not in silk and lace
but In the bravery Of the English un
| form.