Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1897-05-11
STORY OF A KISS.

A quaint little maiden, ten years
old, Of the Quaker city, returning
from schoolwith book and slate, found
her way blocked by a great crowd, and
up the street soldiers came marching,
accompanied by bands Of music. AL
though it was prescribed 10y the dis
cipline of her fathers, the child loved
music, and brass band above all
things
Pushing herway among the people,
she saw banners with foreign names,
'Palo Alto" Monterey" Beuna
VISTA" then came others with the
legend cold Rough and Ready" Gen.
Taylor Never Surrenders," etc.
She knew it was in honor of the sol
der president, the hero of a successful
war. Her father had told her about
it, and although the war was also pro-
scribed by the discipline of his peace
full sect, success was not proscribed;
everybody recognizes that, and the
little maiden with round, wondering
eyes, clasps her hands and keeps time
with the music and is part Of the en-
thusiastic scene. Every curve and
dimple of her round little body is a
protest against discipline and straight
propriety, every refractory, worldly
minded curl, in spite Of discipline and
bears oil, has way of escaping from
the demure little hood and dangling
about the child's eyes.
Now she hurries home to talk with
father about the parade. They were
great cronies. He had told her what
history they had been making down in
Mexico. She knew that the demo-
Gratis had wanted Lewis Cass for presi-
dent, and the free sellers who were OPP
posed to the extension of slavery
wanted Martin Van Buren,, but Gen.
Taylor, after his brilliant victories,
was the peoples choice.
Now, our little Quakeress was a
hero worshiper, and this soldier presi-
dent, being the first historic character
to come in touch with her life, she
proceeded, after the manner Of wom-
ankind, to set him up in high white
niche in her worshipful heart.
Her father, being over kind and
trustful, had met with many business
losses. Although the child knew
nothing Of the mysteries of commerce,
she understood that he was in trouble,
and, young as she was, tried many lit
tie plans to help him.
Tonight in her dreams there was
thegay parade, themusicand banners,
the president and her father,
Waking, she found the room very
dark Suddenly a streak of light |
came in an eastern window ooh, it |
is day." she cried, "and that was the
dark hour which comes before it,"
Out Of bed bounded the little white
robed figure, and knocking at the |
door of her mothers room, called |
Father, is thee awake?"
"What does thee want, my child?"
II have seen the day come out of
the sky. Tell me, father, is it always |
the darkest hour just before day."
81 hope so, my daughter"
81 am SO glad" she said.
'"The child has had an omen; the
light may be breaking for us, wife,"
said he.
"Thee is getting superstitious, Ho-
ratio"
ut may be. have often noticed
when man is down he grasps the lit
tie things that a successful person
laughs at"
Our little maiden battered back to
bed, where she evolved a very ambi-
tious scheme, which she divulged at
the breakfast table.
Father, will thee let me go to see
the president of the United States?"
She was a dainty little maid, but she
drew herself up with all her child
hoods dignity. 81 want to see him
on business"
In answer to her fathers surprised
look she continued: "To ask him to
let thee work for him. Thee knows
how to add up sums, and write let
ters and books, OF thee could mind the
post Office for him, and send the let
tiers off to the people, / am sure he
would like thee to doit May 90 and
ask him, father?"
81 believe | will let thee 60" said
the father, quietly, as if she had asked
permission to so and visit neighbor.
as thee crazy, Horatiof' 1t was
the mother who said this.
NO." he replied. "She has had
an inspiration and may follow it."
1t was a wonderful journey from
Philadelphia to Washington With