Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-03-23


the preacher.
And Franks sympathies were with
the minister too, when he added: "We
are proud people this day, exultant in
victory, almost for the moment forget
ting our tears for the loved ones who
have fallen on the battlefield; but there
Is one thing we have not thought of.
While we pour out heartfelt gratitude
to the heroes who have maintained the
metonomy of this mighty Nation,
whose noble deeds shall inspire the
poets of unborn generations, can we
not spare from the overflow of our ella
ton some sympathy for those who
fought for a cause they believed to be
Just, and who now have to add to the
desolation of blighted homes and ruined
prospects the bitterness of defeat?
We can afford to be generous. Perhaps
It is old age that brings on me the spirit
of prophecy, but can see the time
when we shall record with pride the
courage and devotion of the people of
the South, whose marvellous endurance
has no parallel In history, and say ex-
ultantly, And these men were Ameri-
cans;' when the gallantry of Lee and
jackson will be remembered without
robbing the crowns Of Grant, Sherman
and Sheridan of single laurel-leaf."
Though the people generally were
not ripe for the expression Of such lib
eral criticism, the soldier element Of
the congregation nodded appreciation.
The countenances of Miss Ruth and q
few others, however, manifested de-
termined signs of disapproval and Rev.
Lubin afterwards remarked that his
ma considered Mr.. Brentwood's senti-
ments hardly decent.
The pastors sister, too, had another
subject which caused discomfort.
81 declare" she said to Grace, going
home from church, "that Mary Besant
does not look twenty-five years old to-
day-guess it's that bonnet she had
from Dayton does it."
But Grace knew that her friends ra-
diant looks were due to q heart full Of
the sunshine of thanlfulness, so she de-
murely replied:
MRS. Besant always looks younger
than her years, but to-day she is partic-
ularly bright and pretty. Perhaps the
contrast of this morning with the day
when last she sat In church with Frank,
may have something to do with her
cheerfulness."
''Ohi yes, remember when she made
such fool of herself. Well, p'r'aps you
are right, for, indeed, it is natural she
should feel good over her boys splendid
luck. It is not every widows son that
goes to the war who comes back q
Colonel"
Luck! Franks luck, auntiel Do you
dare to call the reward of heroic deeds
luck?"
eyes, I do, child. So you needn't
snap my head off. Look at poor James
Lawson, who entered the army the
same day he did, and never rose beyond
the rank of private. But who is that
distinguished looking man shaking
hands with the Besants? Just come by
train shouldn't wonder, breaking the
Sabbath; but he's a fine, handsome man
for all that. Hurry, up, Grace, and we'll
| get introduced"
But as the stranger joined the Besant
part Frank and his cousin fell back to
the Miss Brentwoods, leaving Mrs.
Besant to proceed to Walnut House with
their new companion.
"Who is your friend In the silk hat,
Frank?" Miss Ruth asked, in her abrupt
way, when they had shaken hands.
Colonel Hopkins, Of Ours, Miss
Brentwood"
"Ohl what do you mean by 'oursP'"
'Why. of our regiment. 1t is . way
we have of speaking"
"Are there two Colonies to a regi.
ment2"
mo; only one."
"Then, you are not a Colonel after
all?'
eyes am. He resigned in my favor
Just before we were mustered out"
"Oh! he resigned, did he? What made
him so eager to sacrifice himself for
your interests2"
ST am sure do no not know" Frank
laughed, ''unless 1t was to encourage
merit"
'sBut do, young man; II he is the
person I take him to be, and I'm not
quite sure, for I haven't seen him for
more than twenty years; but If he Is,
know quite well why he dropped that
pretty plum into your mouth"
s'Would it be indiscreet to ask why,
since you are so we'll informed?"
"Ohi ask your ma. P'r'aps she'll tell
you and p'r'aps she won't"
And with that parting shot Miss
Ruth started up path that led by g
near cut to the parsonage and left the
young people to themselves.
ST am sorry aunt was so rude to you
Frank" Grace began, in lame apology
"Pshaw! my dear, don't let that
worry you. We all know and make al
lowances for Miss Ruth's eccentricities
but do wish she Wouldn't be SO con
foundedly enigmatical."
Then Kate Lester interposed.
''If you will accept me as the reader
Of the riddle" she said with laugh
that showed two rows Of teeth hkt
pearls, ST should say that Miss Brent
wood means to insinuate that you fount
favor in Colonel Hopkins eyes becaus,
you were your mothers son."
Sand why not2 They were friends o
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