The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-03-24
Select STORY,
THE GENERALS WARD.

Gen. Biddulph sat in his chair, looking
the picture of misery, while his currie was
growing cold and his henchman and trusted
servant Scott was amazed and a little
alarmed at such extraordinary proceedings.
The cause of all this was a foreign post
mark held feebly in the generals hand.
1t was briefly, nay, tersely, written:
HUssAf,s, DELHI, May 10, 1s-.
DEAR SIR Just received your last letter,
many thanks for the budget of papers you
have sent: they are most acceptable. Am
anything but well, and much worried. Will
you do me favor? My girl is anxious to see
England; it is simply impossible for me to get
leave for the next two years, and as that state
of affairs does not please her she has determ
ined to start off by herself. Of course she
will have proper chaperonage from here and
bring her own people, but thought you would
like to do me a turn for ''auld lang syne" and
look after her. 1t seems altogether most
unorthodox arrangement, but she is young
woman, with a will, and you know my old
maxim, "Anything for quiet life She
will arrive, expect, soon after you get this,
and will go first to Charges street with the
woman who is taking care other. With much
gratitude and remembrances to the old set,
ever, uear DiChj your dHeCtloudlo
DRUcE DAILY.
P. S.-Inclosed find draft on my bankers
for any expense she might incur. Dess is
Just 10.
It certainly was an alarming prospect to
bachelor. A young girl untrammeled,
untaught, to be thus thrown on his hands!
The general felt as if an eclipse had sud
denly darkened the sunshine of his lifei as
if some heavy veil had dropped over the
bright vista of the future. To have his
days tormented by the whims and fancies
of little mink, his social joys disturbed to
escort young savage from the tower to
Nine. Tussand 's-the thought was terri
Bile. He pushed away his plate, and in his
annoyance rumpled his carefully adjusted
locks of hair, whereat Scott grew more
alarmed, and at last summoned up courage
to ask his master if he would not like some
fresh breakfast The general woke from
his dream of horror and looked gloomily at
the man.
"Eh, what, Scott breakfast? No. l
think l shall stroll round to the club; l
have had some troublesome news"
Scott silently brought the immaculate
hat, stick and gloves, and stood by while
his master rearranged his locks and adjust
ed his hat.
The general drew deep breath Of satis-
faction as he marched up St, James street
to his club. The sun was shining glorious
ly, the air was warm and delightful, and
gradually his depressed spirits rose, and he
felt once more himself.
"After ALL" he mused as he walked
along, ''Daly used to be the best fellow in
the world years ago; who knows if she may
not take after him ? / shall look her up
in the morning, trot her about to one or
two places, and then | shall have done my
duty. 1t is just like Druce Daly'-his
wrath was rising again-"to put man in
my position, bachelor, in such an awk
ward fix, but he always was the most care
less and shiftless man possible. Wonder
is how he ever married and had daugh-
ter. Let me see, whom the deuce did he
marry ?"
Back into the far past fled his memory,
but although he thought and thought, he
could not recall the mother Of tho girl who
was coming to plague his life.
II might ask Goodwin" he determined;
.she is sure to know. Deuce take it Why
on earth am l TO be troubled with another
mans worries? Why did the mother die?
Why did DAILY marry and have dapgh
ter ?"
His ratings at fate were interrupted by
a hearty ''good morning" from hale-look-
ing man, as he entered the club and sat
down at the same table, whereon was laid
dainty breakfast:
'iGood morning, Goodwin he replied
gloomily, not even trying to catch a glimpse
of his reflection in the mirror opposite,
sign he was greatly disturbed.
"Have some breakfast p
"Thanks."
Hunger was asserting ITSELF He took
the cup of coffee, pushed across the table
and stirred round and round, his thoughts
flown away to his vexation again.
aWhy, hang it all, man; you look quite
worried anything wFong?" asked Colonel
Goodwin, in an interval Of hearty eating.
"Yes," laconically; and then he unbur-
dened his mind to his friend.
Col. Goodwin looked amused. aWell,
don't see anything terrible in all this"
he said, with twinkle in his eye; ''you are
fond enough of women, as rule; why
should you object to this one?'
s'This is very different case" said the
general, testify. 81 admire women, it is
9seless to deny it, but l like them culti-
yated, refined, gentle, Rpt raw, untutored
savages as this young female is sure to be.
Then it is the greatest bore on earth to be
tied and bound by the whims of girl in
her teens, who will lead me life of horror
before she is done Want to eat penny
ices in the street, or some such thing"
The other laughed heartily. Il suppose
having girls of ones own makes all the
difference; don't mind their chatter and
fun; it is rather pleasant than otherwise.
If this young woman is anything like her
mother was, she ought to be the most