Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1897-05-06
STORY OF A KISS.

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 great crowd, and up
the street soldiers came marching, ao-
companied 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" Monterey" "Buena
vista," then came others with the leg
ends "Old Rough and Ready" "Gen-
eral Taylor Never Surrenders." etc.
She knew it was in honor Of the sol
dier president, the hero Of successful
war; Her father had told her about it,
and, although war was also prescribed
by the discipline Of his peaceful scot,
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 dimple Of her round
little body is protest against discipline
and straight propriety. Every refractory,
worldly minded curl, In spite of disci-
pline and BEARS oil, has a way Of escap-
H., f~,,,, &hr <1o,,or,.o Iift1o bo<1 o,,d
dangling about the child's eyes.
Now she hurries home to talk with
father about the parade. They we're
great cronies. He had told her what
history they had been making down in
Mexico. She knew that the 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 hero
worshiper, and, this soldier president
being the first historic character to
come In touch with her life, she pro-
ceeded, after the manner Of woman
kind, to set him up In a high white
niche in her worshipful heart.
Her father, being overland and
trustful, had met with many business
losses. Although the child knew moth
ing Of the mysteries Of commerce, she
understood that he was in trouble, and,
young as she was, tried many little
plans to help him.
Tonight in her dreams there were the
gay parade, the music and banners, the
president and her father.
Waking, she found the room very
dark Suddenly streak of light came
in an eastern window. "Oh, 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 mothers room, called, Father, is
thee awaken
"What does thee want, my child?"
~ have seen the day come out of the
sky. Tell me, father, is it always the
darkest hour just before day."
II hope SO, my daughter"
am SO lad, she said.
"The child has had an omen. The
light may be breaking for us, wife, -
said he.
"Thee is getting superstitious. Hors-
to-"
''It 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 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 childhood s
dignity. II want to see 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 postofdce
for him and send the letters off to the
people. I am sure he would like thee
to do 1t. May I go and ask him, father?"
81 believe / will let thee co. said
the father quietly. as if she had asked
permission to go and visit a nsighbor.
us thee crazy, Horatio?" It was the
mother who said this
"No, he replied. "She has had an
inspiration and may follow it,
It was wonderful journey from
Philadelphia to Washington. With a
trust in providence and the car con-
duotor, she was sent alone.
At the door Of the White House she
was told that the president did not re-
ceive visitors that day. She must come
tomorrow Nothing daunted, she made
her way back to the cars and found the
conductor.
II shall not go home until I see the
president. Does thee know Of any kind
lady who will let me stay at her house
tonight" she asked.
s'To be sure / do" said the good
man. admiring the child 8 perseverance,
and together they started up Pennsyl-
vania avenue, stopping at millinery
shop kept by good natured, motherly
woman. The situation being explained,
the child was welcomed and petted, but
never for a moment did she lose sight Of
her important mission, carrying herself
with a dignity proportionate to such an
embassadorship, much to the amuse-
ment Of the good dame and her daugh-
ter. It was not until our little adven-
turess found herself put to bed in big
four poster, in room which seemed tc
have an unusual number Of dark cor
ners, that she realized she was In q
strange place and on strange eFrand.
and not in the snug little room adjoin-
ing mothers. She had never slept away
from home before.
At last the tired child fell asleep,
with the little speech she was to make
to the president strangely mixed uI
with her nightly prayers "Mr. Presi-
dent-I have come-to see thee-on-
God bless papa and mamma-and ALL
kind friends. Amen
The next day found her at the White
House. Crowds Of people were already
waiting tn se0 tha nreaidort cI,n xr.s