Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-01-16
GaIfs ar1n Skstrkts.
Mss BExCEs BRITISH LOVER.
Continued from yesterday

Certainly"
George L'Estrange"-and her eyes
flashed. nostrils dilated-''this is an in
sulti''
He laughed.
IAN insult,'' she slowly repeated, as
she broke off hazel switch, and a cow
ardIy one-so cowardly that needs must
notice it, And 50 exasperated was she
that she struck him two swift blows across
the face In rapid succession.
'sJac-the deace," he cried, as blind
with pain. he put his hands to his face.
When he removed them she was gone.
"a rebels daughter,'' he Kissed, be-
tween his clenehed teeth. so help me
heaven, III pay her off for that with in
terest,"
A few months later party of readcoats.
debouching from the woods that crowned
the palisades, marched TO the Bence NAH
sion and took possession of il.
Old Ephriam Bence was for defending
the place 10 the bitter end but the more
prudent counsel OF wife. daughter and
such relatives as were stopping with him
prevailed. and he witnessed the seizure of
his home and belongings with hatred
that seemed almost uncomfortable.
80 you are in command" he cried, as
George L'Estrange-now a major in the
British service staggered into the apart
ment.
Oh yes. Why should not be ~
"And you came to swagger here ?"
"A capital place to swagger it is too"
observed the major as he coolly threw his
legs across the arm of the sofa.
"You are a while-livered, cowardly
dog"
"You are a very irascible old gentle
man."
IF it was not for this cursed govt I'd
spit you like a larkt' roared the infuri-
ated old man.
"a very ancient figure of speech, my
friend. Where's your daughter ?"
"She is here ~ cried voice almost in
his ear as Jacqueline. pale. every nerve
quivering. stood before him. In spite of
his braggadocia. the major yielded.
.Oh, you little rebel, you see, come
here in command" he laughed
mot to command few men or a few
women"
I'VE shall see Mistress Jacqueline.'
IF you had the courage Of gentleman
you would have flung your commission in
the teeth oil your general ere stopping to
set your foot across this threshold. save
as a protector"
Bah Rebellion kills sentiment. am
not the long cared biped that used to be.
You and will have good time together
here, and"
''fIow dare you!' cried the girl, her
eyes flashing. attempt but so much as
the familiarity of my given name, and
will resent it as an insult"
"Pshaw!" growled the major. as he
moved toward window. in order to con-
ceal his modification. for his lieutenant,
Staleybridge. was standing by.
That night MAJOR L'Estrange held high
revel in the old oaken dinner room of the
mansion. A captain of dragons, Old
ham, the lieutenant and an ensign ban
quoted with him.
They drank heavily. as was the fashion
of that day. and after dinner commenced
to toast their respective sweeethearts
When it came the majors turn he hest
tated.
The lieutenant. who owed him grudge,
and loved him not. exclaimed:
why not toast the beauty who is now
under this roof"
~ uttuty uutitE iiiis Tboi the
dragoon. Lets trot her out"
L'Estrange stood up.
Here's to Jacqucline. the prettiest
rebel in all America'' and drained the
goblet to the dregs.
1--WE must see herl" beloved the dra-
COON. 'Send for her major ~
L'Estrange was three parts drunk. and
brutal idea flashed through his bemud-
Aln1 hr,in that La
time to keep his vows in regard to paving
Jacqueline Benee tor that blow.
''l'll send for her. by George!' he
cried
To the servant who responded to the
ring he gravely said:
II want to see Miss Bence for a mo-
lance. mind ~
The Young girl at first refused point
blank to appear. but on second and n
third pressing message she resolved to
comply.
How beautiful she looked as she stood
glancing from one to another of those
drunken debaucbes!
what is your business with me. Major
L'Estrange ?" she slowly and deliberately
asked.
Come here" he exclaimed.
II am here, sir What would you have
of me?''
"Do you recollect blow you gave me
in the woods here on a certain summers
day ?" he asked.
Perfectly well, sir"
Then mean to take twenty kisses for
it," And he sprang to his feet.
At that instant the door was burst open.
and a body of Swiff's yeomanrv led hv
Joe Wilson. a near neighbor. to whom
Bence had sent for succor. leaped into the
room. making prisoners of the drunken
jewellers.
An hour later and the gallant major.
with his comrades in arms. were on the
march as prisoners of war. past the very
beech tree where a few months previously
he had received the cut across the face he
so richly deserved.
Jscqueline married Joe Wilson. and
their descendants still flourish in that pic
turesque spot known as Euglewood.