The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-03-22
A CLEVER WOMAN.
Her Shrewd and Successful Finan-
cial Operation.

It was nearly twelve o'clock on bright
spring morning. Yet Colonel Punter wa:
still busily employed in his bachelor rooms
in Piccadilly. The Colonel was fresh
complexioned, somewhat portly man, OF
about fifty years Of age, with grizzled haiI
and mustache and vigor of eye and form
which, although ne 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 pamphlet that
was shortly to appear, entitled 1.-The Proper
Formations in Savage Warfare" This
pamphlet was looked forward to in military
circles with a 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 if Colonel
Punter would grant her an interview.
Certainly" said the Colonel; then glanc-
ing at the card he muttered to himself
''Mrs. VernerI can't remember ever to
have heard the name before wonder what
she wants" Then being 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, We'll but quietly
dressed, was shown into the room. she was
tall and graceful, and wore 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,
racking his brains in the meantime to think
where ne could have seen that beautiful,
sad face before. 1t was the face of a woman
about thirty-five years of age, or perhaps a
little more, with dark hair and eyes, and an
indefinable expression of mirth beneath its
sadness, indicating, as it seemed lightness
of heart which the troubles of the world
might have dimmed but could not obliterate
Observing, apparently, the Coloners some
what puzzled expression, she continued
gayly:
81 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 ago
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. Verner,n he re-
piled; twenty years is long time for an
old mans memory to go back in FASH
''Now, don't deny it," continued she
laughing. Il see you don't remember me-
but am not at all offended, for. indeed.
how should youl 1 was a slip of a girl then.
and you were, if you will allow me to say so,
q man of somewhere about thirty |, nc
doubt, was an infinitely insignificant person
10 you then, as, On the other hand, you were
avery important person 10 me. But, you see
] am obliged to plead our old acquaintance
Colonel Punter, rs it is my only excuse for
the liberty have taken in calling on you. ~
Excuse Of any kind is quite unneces,
sary," said the Colonel with a slight bow
and smile.
sit is very kind of you to say So" she re-
piled; ''snd when you have heard my sad
story think you viii give ME the advice
which have come TO ask of you"
IF it is a subject on which 1 am at all
qualified TO speak" said ne, Il shall be most
happy"
Il think it is decidedly your subject
Colonel Punter,' she replied, s'for it is about
my son, who is in the army, that wish to
ask your advice
''Your son-in the armyl' exclaimed the
Colonel, with an inflexion of voice that WAS
decidedly complimentary to the youthful
ness of her appearance. May ask his regi
ment!"
1.-The Sixtieth Lancers.''
''The Sixtieth Lancersr" repeated the
Colonel. ''Why, Mrs. Werner. know your
son. His commanding officer is an old
friend of mine and have slight acquaint-
ance with the whole regiment"
This is very singular and very lucky, y
said she. "As you know my poor boys
regiment, think you will be better able to
understand and advise on the troubles and
difficulties am in regarding him Win you
let me tell you my sad story from the begin.
ming, or shall 1 be boring youl"
80, pray, don't think so for a moment
Mrs. Werner" sand the Colonel; and be
would have liked to add: Nothing Won
could say would bore me,' but felt it would
be unsuitable to the occasion.
"W ell, she continued with a sigh. ssmv
married life was a ssort and not a hapny
one. Ny husbands health was ALWAYS had
and for this reason we had TO reside abroad
When we had been married two wears nv
husband died and left me alone in the world
with an infant boy" She paus and
seemed lost for moment in sad memories
while the Colonel glanced sympatheticallya a,
her, but thought well to say nothing
swell" she continued, during the last
twenty years have lived almost entirely
abroad, but sent my son TO be educated al
Elton, and about two years ago he obtained
a commission in the Sixtieth Lancers. Words
can not tell what a comfort and iov NV son
has been to me during my lonely widow.
hood have been so proud of all his scboo,
triumphs, have always been his confidantf
when he got into trouble. You see, Colone
Punter, am sadly constrained to use The
past tense, for am grieved to say that since
he entered the army his manner to me ha.
gradually changed, until now, when do SEE
him, which Is not often, he who used to be
all frenkness and love is all GOODNESS an6
reserve-and if this goes on it will break nv
heart" Here she fairly gave way and COW
cred her face with her hands. Colone
Punter's soft heart was always much per
turbed at the sight of a woman's tears. 81
he kept murmuring in his most soothing 40
cents:
''Pray, madam, pray, calm yourself. an
sure viii do all can TO help you.n
In few minutes she recovered herself
and said:
1You must excuse my breaking down. J
k9sW Is aSXsfs vexes amAn to see woman's