Dodge City times., 1888-04-12
A CLEVER WOMAN.

-Ho c,siJl H. Ho:s in Lesiis's Weekly
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 fresh
complexioned, somewhat portly man, Of
about fifty years of age, with grizzled hair
and mustache and a 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 pamphlet that
was shortly to appear, entitled 1.-The Proper
Formations in Savage Warfare" This
pamphlet was looked forward to in military
circles with good deal Of interest, for
Colonel Punter was a very well-known man,
and was highly thought of as 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. Verner-I can't remember ever to
have heard the name before. l 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, well but quietly
dressed, was shown into the room. She was
tall and graceful, and wore a heavy veil,
which, however, on the servants retiring,
she threw back, and holding out her hands,
advanced with a smile, saying:
Il am afraid, Colonel Punter, you will
have forgotten me.''
The Colonel was quite equal to the occa-
/ sion, and returned her greeting cordially,
raczing his brains in the meantime to think
where he could have seen that beautiful,
sad f., p before. 1t was the face of woman
about thir five years of age, or perhaps a
/ little more, with dark hair and eyes, and an
indetnable expression of mirth beneath its
sadness, indicating as it seemed, a ightness
of heart which the troubles of the world
/ might have dimmed but could not obliterate.
Observing apparently, the Coloneps some
what puzzled expression, she continued,
gayly:
Il see that, as expected, I shall have to
help your memory. Don't you remember
Miss Maud Mervyn, when you were quar-
tered at Dover more than twenty years agoa
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," he re-
piled; twenty years is a long time for an
old man. S memory to go back in a fash"
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 you! Was slip Of girl then,
and you were, if you will allow me to say so,
a man of somewhere about thirty. l, no
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 for
the liberty have taken in calling on YOU"
Excuse of any kind is quite unneces-
sary," said the Colonel, with slight bow
and smile
1T is very kind of you to say so," she re-
piled; ''snd when you have heard my sad
story think you will give me the advice
which / have come to ask of YOU"
If it is subject on which 1 am at all
qualified to speak," said he, II shall be most
happy"
Il think it 10 decidedly your subject,
Colonel Punter," she replied, ''for it is about
my son who is in the army, that wish to
ask your advice"
"Your son-in the army!' exclaimed the
Colonel with an inflexion of voice that was
decidedly complimentary to the youthful
ness of her appearance. May ask his regi-
ment!"
The Sixtieth Lancers."
''The Sixtieth Lancersp repeated the
Colonel why, Mrs. Werner. know your
son. His commanding officer is an old
friend of mine, andI have slight acQuaint-
ance with the whole regiment"
This is very singular and very lucky -
said she. "As you know my poor boys
regiment, think you will be better able to
understand and advise on the troubles and
difficulties l am in regarding him. Will you
let me tell you my sad story from the begin
ming, or shall be boring YOUR
20, pray, don't think SO for moment,
Mrs. Verner," said the Colonel; and he
would have liked to add: Nothing you
could say would bore me-" but felt it would
be unsuitable to the occasion.
Nv ell," she continued with sigh, ssmy
married life was short and not happy
one. Ny husbands health was always bad
and for this reason we had to reside abroad
When we had been married two years my
husband died and left me alone in the world
ii with an infant boy" She paus' and
seemed lost for a moment in sad memories
while the Colonel glanced sympathetically al
her, but thought well to say nothing
''Wel,' she continued, ''during the las,
twenty years have lived almost entirely
abroad, but sent my son to be educated Al
Eton, and about two years ago he obtained
a commission in the Sixtieth Lancers. Words
can not tell what comfort and joy my sol
has been to me during my lonely widow
hood have been so proud Of all his schoo
triumphs, have always been his confidantI
when he got into trouble. You see, Colone
Punter, l am sadly constrained to use tn,
past tense, for am grieved to say that sine
he entered the army his manner to me ha
gradually changed, until now. when do Sc
him, which is not often, he who used to b
all frankness and loveis all coldness an,
| reserve-and if this goes on it will break m,
heart" Here she fairly gave way and GOV
cred her face with her hands. Colone
{ Punter's soft heart was always much PEI
turbed at the sight Of woman's tears. S
he kept murmuring in his most soothing &C
cents:
pray. madam, pray. calm yourself. sr
sure viii do all can to help you.''
In a few minutes she reDYeeed hersel
and said; .,os s.,.,s
, J .Ysa ndstAxcuse my breaking down.