The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-01-05

The colonel started miss Kingston,
Balcomer Halll' he exclaimed in tones Of
surprise. "What the dickens does she want
with mep won't see her. Tell her-tell
her--don't tell her anything 1t wasn't
her fault -" This to himself. "Did she
mention her businessP"
"Not exactly, sir. was to say that you
saved her life about nine years ago Stop
ped runaway pony, sir. She asked for
soldier Of tho name of Tommy Atkins
begging your pardon, SIR" added the SER
geant, with an Ill concealed grin.
Colonel Graham pondered for moment.
"By Jove! l rememberW he cried at
length "She must be the little girl in a
short frock who wanted to give me shil-
ling and begged me to tell her my name.
You say she asked for Tommy Atkins?"
eyes, sir. And she recognized you as
him, begging your pardon again, sir. "
"Then she doesn't know meY I'll seq
her What coincidoncel And she really
thought was priyatep Did she have a
good look at me when passed."
mot more than glimpse, l should say,
SIR"
"Ahem Crockettv'
A smart soldier servant entered from an
inner room.
~ want you to change TUNES with me-"
said the colonel, Tor lend me yours, any
way. You are about my size, think"
When Miss Kingston entered, Colonel
Graham was standing at attention, with
his thumbs pressed tightly against the
seams of his trousers in tho stiffest, I've
just-swallowed- -bayonet attitude that he
could assume But his eyes said, awful
ly pretty grip as plainly as eyes could
speak.
"I'm so glad to meet you again, " she
said. "I've never forgotten you, and I've
brought you little gift, if you will accept
it,"
Colonel Graham executed half right
turn and faced Private Crockett.
as it against the regulations to receive
reward for doing my duty, sir?" he asked.
dill don't think So" stammered
Crockett, almost as red as the tunic that
covered his manly breast.
Miss Kingston looked at him in sur
prise, then glanced inquiringly at her hero,
whose bronzed features wore the most
wooden expression that he could summon
up. Evidently she suspected something.
But she produced the watch and chain and
the purse and presented them with q few
graceful words.
II had the name you gave me engraved
on the watch" she said. "But that is not
correct, think"
"No, MISS" answered the colonel,
CHANGING at the case. "That was joke.
But Tommy Atkins will do very we'll.
am very much obliged.
1t was rather singular coincidence that
on the day following her return to Bal
conner Miss Kingston should receive visit
from Miss Raynor, spinster sister Of the
late squire, who had hitherto for some
reason or other held aloof, and that this
white haired old lady should almost at
once introduce the subject Of her nephew
Richard.
"You don't know him, I think, my
dear, she said. "He is lieutenant colonel
of the army, and must tell you that no
was always led to expect that ho would
succeed to Balcomer. Unfortunately for
him he quarreled with your uncle, and in
consequence you are here. u
II never heard a word Of 1t. Why did
he quarrelF"
my brother wished him to marry GER
tain lady, and Dick did not see his way"
"What shame!' exclaimed the girl,
deeply interested. II am so sorry. feel
that have no right to Balcomer. Can't
something be done? Is it possible to di-
vide tho property
Miss Raynor smiled.
Wouldn't that be rather quixotic, my
dear?" she asked.
~ don't know was the reply. 81
think l ought to do it, "
Miss Raynor soon afterward took her
leave But week later she paid another
visit to Balcomer
81 have heard from Dick" she fa;'
land he'll call on you tho first time ::
in the nelghborhood. He says he docsn t
resent your being here in the least, and he
will be very pleased to know you"
Miss Raynor had scarcely been at Bal
conner 10 minutes-deyoted to praises of
her nephew Dck-when that gentleman
arrived and sent up his card.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Graham,
First battalion, Hertfordshire regimentp
exclaimed Miss Kingston, reading from
the card. "Why, was at Pembury ten
days ago, and saw
"Dick?" interrupted Miss Raynor bland
ly.
81 don't know. I saw Private Tommy
Atkins, and, think, his colonel. It's very
funny. The colonel looked and spoke like
prince and Tommy Atkins like a gentle
man"
The footman retired. Next moment the
colonel came in, and Miss Kingston stood
face to face with her hero, across whose
white waistcoat the massive chain she had
given him was proudly displayed.
"Why-why," she began, blushing al
most as red as Private Crockett when seat
ed in the officers chair, 1--WE are old &C.
quaintanccs!"
And cousins" added the colonel, bow.
ing.
"You saved my life!"
at pleases you to say So have come
to thank you for your offer to share the
Balcomer with mo-"
at would be pity to divide Balcomer,
my dears," intorposed Miss Raynor, shak
ing her white ringlets archly. Isn't there
better way to put things straightr'--
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