Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-01-15
Gales ano Sketrkfs.
Mss BEyC.-s BRIYIsH LOVER.

. very dapper young gentleman su,od
leaning against tree in the woods that
then as now. topped the rock-hilled PAli-
sades overlooking the iordly Hudson. de
was attired in all the bravery of silk. and
powder and ruffies. and at his feet lay
half dozen volumes on which an army
of ants were 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 ruffies over his waistband as IT
dangled, the elbow leaning against the
tree, il 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 handsome youth to whom
powder became handy. and like most hand
some youths was perfectly aware of being
handsome youth.
"She comes - he said brayely. "Pish /,
I wish that my heart would not rap so
against my ribs, and know | am becom-
ing pale"
The rustling of bushes and brambles
announced an approach. and in a couple
of seconds bright fair-haired, blue
even, GO-f -tiitrhfIs NbPPNd Ah1.HN'
stepped up to where The ants were march
ing over the books.
II am a little late. George" she said,
after half dozen kisses had passed be-
tween them, "but couldn't help il; for
a lot OF gentleman came to see papa and
I had 10 see after refreshments for man
and horse"
Company at the manor. Jac ?"
Not exactly company George; but you
see, papa is very determined against the
iron rule of England, and / iear"-here
she dropped her voice-'there is going to
be rough work. for one of the gentlemen
spoke of raising regiment, and"
What nonsense, Jac' We are very
well off under British rule. There are al
ways people ready to omplain-always
grumbling. Surely these gentry do not
dream of independence P''
And why not?" replied the girl almost
haughtily, her short upper lip curling her
thin nostrils expanding.
Stuff and nonsense, JAG ~
II don't see why we should submit
You little REBEL he burst out. 81
must stop such seditious language"
And he did so in that way which is usu-
al to lovers.
George L'Estrange was the son of Sir
Henry L'Estrange, an English gentleman
of birth, who had come over in the capacity
Of secretary to the governor.
Having met very beautiful young lady.
whom he espoused contrary to the wishes
Of the old baronet in England, who was
as proud ~ he was careless, Sir Henry
settled in America, where he made a
small fortune in the cultivation of tobacco.
A friend to whom he had loaned a
thousand pounds, having died and left a
property on the Hudson in lieu 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 retinue of
white and colored servants.
Adjoining the manor was the property
! of Ephrsim Bence. a worthy merchant of
Gotham. between whose only child and
| George l. 'Estrange sprang up that mutual
feverish delight commonly known as love.
Mr.. Bence did not at first oppose
| George L'Estrange's intimacy with his
| daughter. but of late anti British feelings
| had become so intense that he politely in
| formed 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 hint of the
| sturdy American.
| I'VE must meet elsewhere, darling
| he said and rs the woods which separated
| the two domains. and every pathway was
| known to the two lovers. particular
| beech tree was destined to become their
| trysting place
lnsensibly. but by degrees, Jacqneline
Benee ielt the spirit of patriotism bud
ding in her fresh young heart. and al
length came a paug of sorrow that hei
George could take no part in the great
| work that was now so steadily progress.
| ing. George called her rebel" She
would retaliate by clubbing him "tyrant.'
| A few skirmishes and it was mutually
resolved never to refer to the subject OF
| independence. but somehow or other il
| would crop out, when Georges tone wa:
one of insulting superiority. Jacqueline'.
that of insulting determination. On these
| occasions they would vow never to see
each other more. her ewes red with weep
| ing. and her heart sorer than her eyes.
Mr.. Bence one day summoned .Jacque
| line
My child" he said. '.you are Ameri
can born and raised. So am 1 so is youl
mother. Now your blood is too good
your heart is too honest to let you act the
| part of treachery to your country. You
must give up this whipping snapper Brit
isher who has just oaptained himself III
| order to drive US out of New York. an
too feeble to fight. but can use pen and
tongue, and by jove 30 long as a faculty
is left. I'll cry No surrenderr
| "rll see George" he said.
L'Estrange met her by appointment a
the old beech tree. not in silk and lace
but in the bravery of the English uniform
why did you put this on to-day ?" she
| asked.
why not ?''