Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1896-02-26


worse luck, I've forgotten my pocket hand
deTchief. Isuppose you couldn't lend me
such thing?"
There was not much hope in the words as
he uttered them He had been very short
aud ungracious with the young man over
night, even though he was his guest 1t
was hardly likely that he would feel very
good naturedly disposed toward him this
morning.
81 can't exactly give it to you, for have
only one. But tell you what I'll do I'll
share it with you"
And Capt. Hamilton drew out of his
sleeve large soft comforting silk handker-
chief, the very sight of which was soothing
to the afflicted man.
Here be quick catch hold" And the
smart young adiutaut reined his horse close
up to Col. Bsring's side
He drew his sword, aud, as the colonel
cutched 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 ever thank
you?' he cried, in between terrific trum-
pet like blasts.
ASK me to breakfast this morning." re-
turned George, with unbounded assurance.
Tie colonel eyed him for moment, blew
his nose, again, and nipped the last dslo-
Gated sneeze in its bud.
"You cheeky young dog | know what
you mean and what let myself in for when
say yes. You may come aud you may
think yourself lucky to have won her so cas-
ily"
He galloped of, and as he went he said
to himself:
Hes smart young fellow, that. A
man Of such resources must come TO the fore
sooner or later. Not another in the field
including myself and the general-would
have thought Of halying pocket handker-
chief, and with his sword too Yes, yes, |
shan't be far wrong, though it is not exactly
what | wished for Aimee. Pity he belongs
to that confounded old staff corps. Why
couldn't he have stuck TO the regiment? ?"
The review passed off we'll. The general
was pleased to compliment Col. Barring on
his men, aud he also had few words Of
praise to bestow on the adjutant Of the 5Oth.
Aimee rode on the field in time to see the
march past.
When the last volley had been fred and
the business of the morning was finished,
Capt Hamilton managed to get few words
with her.
They shook hands and exchanged the u.s.
ual New Year greetings.
ooh, you need not look at your father:in
that terrified fashion. He has given bis
consent, and am invited to breakfast"
She gave him a startled glance, and then
turned away incredulous.
Don't teaze me, George. You know !
can't bear it" And her lip actually trem-
bled.
"My darling, I'm not teasing you. II is
perfectly true. 1t was bargain. Your ia
ther sold you to me this morning just before
the general came"
"Sold me II
She began to think be bad taken lea7e Of
bis senses
"Yes, sold you for silk rag-for half
pocket handkerchief See, here is the other
half" aud he pulled the remnant out Of bis
sleeve.
Her troubled face cleared little, but
showed no signs Of enlightenment.
81 must 60 now" be exclaimed. "Tll
tell you all about it if you will invite me
into that snug little morning room Of yours
after breakfast" And with n happy smile
he trotted back to his post, for the men we're
preparing to march to their lines
When George wants TO tease his wife now
he tells her she isn't worth much for she
was "Sold for a Silk Rag g."-London Society.