The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-03-17
A CLEVER WOMAN.
Her Shrewd and Successful Finan.
cial Operation.


It was nearly twelve o'clock on bright |
spring morning. Yet Colonel Punter was |
still busily employed in his bachelor rooms |
in Piccadilly. The Colonel was a fresh |
complexioned, somewhat portly man, of |
about fifty years of age with grizzled hair |
and mustache and vigor Of eye and form,
which, although he had retired, gave ample |
evidence that he was blessed with plenty of |
strength and energy, and would be quite |
ready for hard service should his country |
require it of him. On this morning he was
correcting the proofs Of q pamphlet that
was shortly to appear, entitled "The Proper
Formations in Savage Warfare" This
pamphlet was looked forward to in military
circles with good deal Of interest, for
Colonel Punter was very well-known man,
and was highly thought Of as a scientific
soldier. He had been at work on these
proofs for two hours, and had just made up
his mind that it was time to walk down to
his club, when his servant entered the room,
and, presenting card said that the lady
would be very much obliged IL Colonel
Punter would grant her an interview.
Certainly" said the Colonel; then glanc-
ing at tho card he muttered to himself:
.sMrs. verner-I can't remember ever to
j
she wants." Then being q kindly and cour-
teous man, he rose from his writing desk,
pushed the proofs away, and took up the
newspaper, so that he might not appear to
have been interrupted at work Scarcely
had he completed his little maneuver when
the door opened and lady, well but quietly
dressed, was shown into the room. She was
tall and graceful, and wore q heavy veil,
which, however, on the servants retiring,
she threw back, and, holding out her hands,
advanced with smile, saying:
II am afraid, Colonel Punter, you will
have forgotten me-"
The Colonel was quite equal to the occa-
sion, and returned her greeting cordially,
racl1ing his brains in the meantime to think
where he could have seen that beautiful,
sad face before. 1t was the face of woman
about thirty-five years of age, or perhaps q
little more, with dark hair and eyes, and an
indefinable expression of mirth beneath its
Z sadness, indicating, as it seemed, q lightness
| of heart which the troubles of the world
might have dimmed but could not obliterate.
Observing, apparently, the Colonels some
what puzzled expression, she continued,
gayly:
~ see that, as expected, shall have to
help your memory. Don't you remember
Miss Maud Mervyn, when you were quar-
tered at Dover more than twenty years agos
Why, Colonel Punter, you had just got your
company then, and we used to dance to-
gether at the Dover balls"
'.Give me moment, Mrs. Werner" he re.
Piled; twenty years is long time for an
old mans memory to go back in flash"
NOW, don't deny it," continued she
laughing. II see you don't remember me
but am not at all offended, for, indeed
how should youl / was slip of girl then
and you were, if you will allow me to say so
man of somewhere about thirty. I, nC
doubt, was an infinitely insignificant person
to you then, as, on the other hand, you were
avery important person to me. But, you see
am obliged to plead our old acquaintance
Colonel Punter, as it is my only excuse fol
the liberty have taken in calling on you.'
"Excuse of any kind is quite unneces
sary,". said the Colonel, with slight bow
and smile.
'sIt is very kind Of you to say so," she re
piled; land when you have heard my sat
story think you will give me the advic
/ which have come to ask of you."
" ''If it is subject on which / am at al
qualified to speak," said he, 81 shall be mos
happy"
Colonel Punter," I" she replied, s'for it is abou
ask your advice.''
ssYour son-in the army" exclaimed tn
Colonel, with an inflexion Of voice that wa
decidedly complimentary to the youthful
ness of her appearance. May ask his reg
mehtl'
ssThe Sixtieth Lancers"
ssThe Sixtieth Lancers" repeated tn
Colonial. 'Why, Mrs. Werner, know you
son. His commanding officer is an ol
friend Of mine, and have slight acquain
ance with the whole regiment"
sgThis is very singular and very lucky,
said she. GAS you know my poor boy
regiment, think you will be better able I
undcIst and advise on the troubles an
difficulties am in regarding him. Will yo
let me tell you my sad story from the begil
ming, or shall be boring youl''
80, pray, don't think so for momen
Mrs. Werner" said the Colonel; and
would have liked to add: "Nothing yc
could say would bore me-" but felt 1t wou
be unsuitable to the occasion.
'sW OIL" she continued with sigh, "n
married life was short and not hapr
one. My husbands health was always ba
and for this reason we had to reside abroa
When we had been married two years n
husband died and left me alone in the wor
with an infant boy" She pausnd al
seemed lost for moment In sad memorie
while the Colonel glanced sympathetically
her, but thought we'll to say nothin
ssWoll," she continued, "during the la
twenty years have lived almost entire
abroad, but sent my son to be educated
Eton, ana about two years ago he obtain
u commission In the Sixtieth Lancers. Wor
can not toll what a comfort and joy my q
has becn to me during my lonely wido