Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-28
GRANDM0THER's LOVE STORY.

On the picturesque shore Of Chesa-
peake stands an old colonial home
stead that possesses, with the charm
of its quaint architecture, the atmos-
phere of old romance, which clings to
the ancient dwelling as does the scent
of roses and lavender that has sweet
ened the house for centuries.
Dorothy Sinclair was BEATTY OF
the old colonial days, whose glance,
tradition says, played havoc with the
hearts Of susceptible youths of that
bygone time. Upon her cousin, Henry
Fairfax, she looked with favor, and
their troth was plighted in the oak
paneled room that was destined to
play SO important part in their love
story.
When the course of their lives
seemed running smoothest, dark ru-
mors of disaifected colony reached
their ears. The overtaxed people re-
volted, and the tea party which was
destined to bring new nation upon
the earth took place in Boston har-
Dor. At the outbreak of hostilities.
Henry Fairfax joined the revolution
lists and soon rose to a position OF
high rank. Dorothy bore bravely the
sorrow of parting, and laid not a part
Of her sorrow on the father and
mother who had sent their only son
to join Col. Fairfax. Alone in the
sad home, the old people and the
young girl awaited the fortunes of
war, and watched day after day for
news that would bring hope or des-
pair.
At last, after night of unusually
titful slumber. they were startled ear
ly one morning by the cries Of their
slaves on the lawn beneath their win
dows. Uncle Pomp, a gray-headed
negro who had given his lifelong SER
vice TO the family. entered the house
and knocked on the doors Of their
sleeping apartments and said:
"0h, Massa George! Oh, old missy!
OH, Miss Dolly! De redcoats is a
comm De bay is chock full O. dem.
oh git right up; yo' amt no time fer
Sleepin'!" In few moments the lit
lie family were dressed and ready for
action Most of the slaves fled in
fright and hid themselves about the
farm, but Uncle Pomp and a few
house servants stood bravely by their
beloved master and his family.
"Dey's orful thieves an robbers
Massa George, said Pomp, Dey'Il
take eberyting in de house, Yves bes'
hide de wal'ables"
Taking Uncle Pomp's advice, the
silverware, jewels and fine homespun
linen were collected together, with
many other articles of household
wealth
"Whar yo' gwine to hide desc.
Massa George?'
I'm the panel closet, Uncle Pomp;
but Jim and Sambo must not know:
they might be forced to tell. Set
them to driving stock to the outer
barns; then come to me-"
In the oaken wall OF the paneled
parlor was Sliding panel. moved by
pressing concealec spring. /; aall
been unused for years. 1t seemed
made for this emergency. The closet
was a small-sized room with win
dow near the top, which had the APP
pearance from the outside of being a
window in the hallway, and deceived
the most vigilant searcher. In the
closet were placed the valuables, and
as George Sinclair was about to close
the door he stopped and looked in
tently at Dorothy leaning against the
oaRen wall, her simple white dress en-
her grlsh loneliness.
Uncle Pomp,' he said, quickly. go
out and see II those horses are cared
for" As Uncle Pomp disappeared
Geo. Sinclair turned to his wife.
Judith, Dorothy must 60 in there,
too. We have nothing so valuable as
Dorothy" For the nrst time in many
a sorrowful day the laugh Of the
young girl rippled out.
"Why father! They won't carry me
off"
I'VE will not give them a chance"
he answered sternly. go in, my
child, and may the Lord of Hosts pro-
tect you" Dorothy entered the little
room and sat down on a pile of linen.
Il am safe here, dear father; do
not fear" she called out. and the
cheer Of hope in her young voice was
a ray Of sunshine in that dark hour.
Her mother tearfnlly brought food
and water.
Give me my embroidery frame"
she begged, "and ! have Harry's let
ters in my bosom, so the time will
not seem long"
At this moment Uncle Pomp's voice
was heard in the hall.
"Deys comm, Massa George, right
up de front lawn. May de debbil take
emf" The old couple hastily kissed
Dorothy, the panel was slid in place,
Ind when Pomp entered the room
hey were seated at the window
watching the approach of the Eng
ish troops.
As the captain at the head Of his
aessian hirelings marched to the