Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-12-10

in the house as the domestics have fed
in terror to their quarters"
Even as she spoke she left him.
Presently, however, she returned, ac-
companied by a sweet old lady with
silver hair, and bevy of colored wom-
en-, whose neat white caps and aprons
showed a cleaning contrast to their
ebon skins.
At once the elderly lady took COM
mand of affairs.
Here, you, Aunt Chloe and Lucinda,
help this gentleman to carry his wound
ed friend to the guest chamber"-for
already Charles Fuller was showing
feeble signs of animation-"And you,
Dorothea, fetch me some brandy, a
sponge and basin of warm water"
Even at that eventful moment young
Besant may be forgiven if he felt
pleased that notwithstanding his pri-
vate uniform the courtly old lady had
alluded to him as a gentleman, for he
knew that the SOutherners never ap-
piled the term to others than those they
considered their equals in culture and
position.
Now" said the hostess, graciously,
when the sick man had been laid upon
the bed. ''You two"-meaninR the
young lady and Frank-''had better go
downstairs and wait results. If my
simple appliances fail to effect a cure,
a physician must be fetched at all haz-
ards, though the disturbed state of the
streets compels us to look at that as 8
last alternative. The women are too
frightened to venture out, and your uni
form would attact undesirable atten-
ton"
Thus it happened that Frank found
himself once more tete-d-tete with the
charming Southern girl, who, as soon
as they reached the luxurious parlor,
set herself about inquiring after his per-
sonal injuries, which, in the hurry of
attending to the more serious state Of
his friend, had been ignored. He was
shocked, as he passed mirror, to see
the unpresentable condition he was in
clothes torn, face swollen and bleed
ing and hands literally black with dirt
The girl smiled as she read his
thoughts.
st is soldiers lot" she said, land
yours are honorable scars; do not be
discounted.
IF could only secure little soap
and water" Frank said, with lugu-
brious air.
There was no affectation about her, no
fine ladyism to freeze him into a sense
of seeming troublesome.
"Come with me, she said, cheerfully,
land we viii see what Aunt Matte the
cook can do for you. It is useless your
waiting until a chamber can be pre-
pared"
He followed her into the kitchen
where Aunt Matte, stout, motheriy
colored woman, speedily made prepare
tons for his additions, while his con-
ductress tripped back to the reception
room, promising to wait his arrival
But when, with Msttie's assistance,
he strove to take on his coat, the wound
IN his arm panied him so intensely that
he could not bear to raise It, though In
the excitement Of the past quarter Of
an hour he had been unconscious of his
hurt.
$50 de Lord, chile. Yo' arms
broke" cried the excited woman, as,
notwithstanding Franks remonstrsn-
ces. she ran to the parlor to call the aid
Of her young mistress
Deity and cooIly as an experienced
nurse. the girl set to work to relieve
him. with half-amused smile at his IL
repressed establishment at her action
Now, she said to him. sit or this
kllsir: Eest your arm nn kiatai54a1,