, 1891-09-04
.capo was blurred by his influenza oreo

scape was blurred by his influenza bred
tears.
He was riding slowly past the Seven.
tieth Native infantry (to-get to his men
he would have to pass all the Sepoys),
and he saw Colonel Smith at the head OF
the regiment with two or three of his Of
hcers. He rode up to him.
Can you lend me such a thing as a
handkerchief he asked, in his most
conciliatory tones. Il have come with
out mine, and / have got the most in
fernal cold in my head"
Colonel Smith looked a little surprised
at such a strange request.
II have only one, my dear fellow, and
as | have a slight cold also, l really
daren't part with it. Have you one,
majori" he said, turning to a fellow of
hcer.
Very sorry; | haven't one to spare"
Colonel Baring's dislike to the staff
corps was well known, and none of the
men asked felt inclined to make a sac
rifce on his behalf; and it would have
been a sacrifice to have parted with ones
only handkerchief on such a cold morn
ing.
Another and yet another officer YVES
asked, but with no better success.
In the distance the general might be
seen approaching. 1t was time, hand
kerchief or no handkerchief, that Colonel
Barring took up his position, for it was
to him that the general would first come.
Disheartened by his want of success,
and distressed by his constant sneezing,
he was passing the Fiftieth withor. a
word. A familiar voice at his elbow
cried:
Good morning, colonel. A happy
new year to you'll How is your cold?'
"Oh, Hamilton, is that you? Thanks,
I'm not at all well. | think l must have
the real thing-the real influenza this
time, don't know when | have felt so
bad and, worse luck, I've forgotten my
poc.ut handkerchief. l suppose you
couldn't lend me such a thingr'
Th"re was not much hope in the words
a. IL uttered them. He had been very
short and ~ungracious with the young
man over night, even though he was his
guest. 1t was hardly likely that he
would feel very good naturally disposed
toward him this morning.
II can't exactly give it to you, for |
have only one But l tell you what I'll
do. I'll share it with you"
And Captain Hamilton drew out of his
sleeve a large, soft, comforting silk hand
kerchief, the very sight of which was
soothing to the afflicted man.
"Here, be quick; catch holdi" And
the smart young adjutant refined his
horse close up to Colonel Baring's side.
He drew his sword, and as the colonel
clutched the coveted article he sliced it
in two, leaving by far the larger share
in the hands of the grateful man.
MY good fellow, how shall l ever
thank your" he cried between terrific
trumpetlike blasts.
ASK me in to breakfast this morn
ing" returned George, with unbounded
assurance.
The colonel eyed him for a moment,
blew his nose again and nipped the last
~dislocating sneeze in the bud.
You cheeky young dog, l know what
you mean and what let myself in for
when | say yes. You may come, and
you may think yourself lucky to nave
won her SO easily"
He galloped off, and as he went he said
TO himself:
Hes a smart young fellow that. A
man of such must come to the
fore sooner or later. Not another in the
field, including myself and the general,
would nave thought of halving a pocket
handkerchief, and with his sword tool
Yes, yes, | shan't be far wrong, though
it is not exactly what | wished for
Aimee. Pity he belongs to hat con-
founded old staff corps. Why couldn't
he have stuck to the regiment"
The review passed off well. The gem
eral was pleased to compliment Colonel
Barring on his men, and he also had a
few words of praise to bestow on the ad-
jutant of the Fiftieth.
Aimee rode out to the field in time to
see the march past.
When the last volley had beer fired
and the business of the morning was
finished, Captain Hamilton managed to
get a few words with her.
They shook hands and exchanged the
usual New Year greetings.
"Oh, you need not look at your father
in that terrified fashion. He has given
his consent, and I'm invited to break
fast"
She gave him a startled glance, and
then turned away incredulous.
Don't tease me, George. You know
| can't bear it," and her lip actually
trembled.
my darling, I'm not teasing you. 1t
is perfectly true. 1t was a bargain.
Your father sold you to me this morning
just before the general came"
"Sold mel"
She began to think that he had taken
leave of his senses.
Yes; sold you for a silk rag-for half
a pocket handkerchief. See, here is the
other half" and he pulled the remnant
out of his sleeve.
Her troubled ACE cleared a little, but
showed no signs of enlightenment.
81 must go now" he exclaimed. "rn
tell you all about it if you will invite me
into that snug little morning room of
yours after breakfast" And with a
happy smile he trotted back to his post,
for the men were preparing to march to
their lines.
When George wants to tease his wife
now he tells her that she isn't worth
much, for she was sold for a silk rag"
London Society.