The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-05-12
STORY OF A KISS.

a quaint little maiden, 10 years old,
of the Quaker City, returning from
school with book and slate, found her
way blocked by Il great crowd, and up
the street soldiers camo marching, ac-
companicd by bands of music. Although
it was prescribed by the discipline of
her fathers, the child loved music and
brass band above all things
Pushing her way among the people,
she saw banners with foreign names
"Palo Alto" Monterrey "Buena
VISTA then came others with the leg
ends "Old Rough and Ready" Cen
eral Taylor Never Surrenders," etc.
She knew it was in honor of tho SOL
dier president, the hero of successful
war. Her father had told her about it.
and, although war was also prescribed
by tho discipline of his peaceful sect,
success was not prescribed 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 enthusiastic scene.
Every curve and dimplo of her round
little body is protest against discipline
and straight propriety. Every refractory,
worldly minded curl. i'll spite of disci-
pine and bcar's oil, has way of cscap-
ing from the demuro little hood and
dangling about tho child's eyes.
Now she hurries home to talk with
father about the parade. They were
great cronics. He had told her what
history they had been making down in
Mexico. Sho knew that tho Democrats
had wanted Lewis Cass for president,
and the Free Sellers. who were opposed
to the extension of slavery, wanted
Martin Van Buren,, but General Taylor,
after his brilliant victories, was the
peoples choice.
Now, our little Quakeress was n hero
worshiper, and, this soldier president
being the first historic character to
como i'll touch with her life, She pro-
cceded, after tho manner of woman
kind, to set him up in II high white
niche i'll her worshipful heart.
Her father, being overland and
trustful, had met with many business
losses. Although tho child knew moth
ing of the mysteries of commerce, sho
understood that he was in trouble, and,
young as she was, tried many little
plans to help him.
Tonight i'll her dreams there were tho
gay parade, tho music and banners, tho
president and her father.
Waking, she found the room very
dark. Suddenly streak of light canlo
III an eastern window. ooh. it is day.
she cried, "and that was tho dark hour
which comes before itu'
ONT of bo1 houn1o,l +Lo I;++1o -,,t.:A.
robed figure, and, knocking at the door
OF mothers room, called, "Father, is
thee awaken
What does thee want, my child?'
Il have seen the day come ont of tho
sky. Tell me, father, is it always tho
darkest hour just before day."
L hope SO, my daughter -
81 am so glad" she said.
The child has had an omen. The
light may bo breaking for us, wife,
said he.
"Thce is getting superstitious, Hora-
to-
ut may be. I have often noticed
when man is down he grasps the lit
tie things that successful person
laughs att
Our little maiden battered back to
bed, where she evolved very ambi-
tious scheme, which she divulged at the
breakfast table.
Father, will thee let me go to see
tho president Of tho United States?"
She was dainty little maid. but she
drew herself up with all her childhood's
dignity. u want to SEQ him on bust
ness
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 letters and
books, or thee could mind the postofficc
for him and send tho letters off to tho
people. am sure he would like thee
TO do 1t. May go and ask him, father"