Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1897-04-23
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, ac-
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,
ehe 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
der president the hero Of a successful
war. Her father had told her about it,
and, although war was also prescribed
by the 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 a part Of the enthusiastic scene.
Every curve and dimple of her round
little body is Il protest against discipline
and straight prOpriety, Every refractory,
worldly minded curl, in spite of disci-
pline and BEARS oil, has a way Of escap-
ing from the demure little hood and
dangling about the childs 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. n knew that the Democrats
had wante4 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 a hero
worshiper, and, this soldier president
come i'll touch with her life she pro-
ceeded, after the manner of woman
kind, to set him up in 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 a streak of light came
in an eastern window. "Oh, it is day."
she cried, land that was the dark hour
which comes before it''
Out of bed bounded the little white
ROBBED figure, and, knocking at the door
of mothers room, called, Father, is
thee awake?"
What does thee want, my child?'
Il have seen the day come out of the
sky. Tell me, father, is it always the
darkest hour just before day."
Il 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, Hora-
ito. "
1t may be. l 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 u dainty little maid, but she
drew herself up with all her childhood's
dignity. Il want to see him on bust
ness. :"
In answer to her fathers surprised
LOOK she continues ITO 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 postoffice
for him and send the letters Off to the
people am sure he would like thee
TO do it: May l go and ask him, father"
Il believe l will let thee go, " said
the father quietly, as if she had asked
permission to go and visit neighbor.
Is thee crazy, Horatio?' 1t was the
mother who said this.
No, " he replied. "She has had an
inspiration and may follow it.
1t was wonderful journey from
Philadelphia to Washington. With a
trust in providence and the car CON
ductor, 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
Il shall not go home until | see the
president. Does thee know of any kind
lady who will let me stay at her house
tonight?' she asked.
ITO be sure do" said the good