The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-07-19

onel Graham was standing at atten,
tIon, with his thumbs pressed tightly
against the seams of his trusers, in
the stifest I've just swallowed a bayo-
net attitude that he could possibly as
sumo. But his eyes said: lawfully
pretty girl" 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 a little gift, il you
will accept it"
Colonel Graham executed q half
right turn ard faced Private Crckett.
rs it against the regulations to re
ceive q re ward for doing my duty, sir3"
be asked.
I'll 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 iDquiringly at her
hero, whose bronze 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 a few graceful
words.
II had the name you gave engraved
on the watch" she said; but that is
not correct, / think"
mo. MISS" answered the colonel
glanciDg at the case. That was a
joke. But Tommy Atkins will do
very we'll. 1 am very much obliged"
IL was rather a singular coincidence
that IN the day following her return to
Balcomer Miss Kingston should re
ceive a visit from Miss Raynor, a
spinster sister Of the late squire, who
had hitherto for some reason or other
held eloof, and that this white haired
old lady should almost at once intro
duced the subject of her nephew Rich
ard.
"You don't know him, I think, my
dear" she said. He is lieutenant col.
onel of the army, and I must tell you
that he was always led to expect that
he would succeed to Balcomer. On
fortunately for him, he quarreled with
your uncle, and, in consequence you
are here"
Il never heard a word Of it. Why
did he quarrel7"
My brother wished him to marry a
certain lady, and Dick did not look at
the matter in the same light.
What a shame!' exclaimed the girl,
deeply interested. Il am so sorry
1 feel that I have no right to Balcomer.
Can't something be done9 Is it posi-
BILE to divide the property"
Miss Raynor smiled. "Wouldn't
that be rather quixotic, my dear7'
she asked.
Il don't know, vas the reply. Il
think I ought to do is."
Miss Raynear soon afterwards took
her leave. But a week later she paid
another visit to Balcomer.
II have heard from Dick" she said
and he'll call on you the first time he
is in the neighborhocd. He says he
doesn't resent your being here in the
least, and will be very pleased to know
you"
Miss Rsynor had scarcely been at
Balcomer fifteen minu5es-devoted to
the praises of her nephew Dick-when
that gentleman arrived and sent up his
card.
Lieutenant Colonel Graham, First
battalion Herfordshire regimentI' ex-
claimed Mics Kingston, reading from
the card. why, 1 was at Pembury
ten days ago and I saw"
"Dickr interrupted Miss Raynor,
blandly.
II don't know. Isaw Private Tom
my Atkins and, I think, his colonel
It's very funny. The colonel looked
and spoke like a Ounce and Tommy
Atkins like a gentleman"
The tootman retired. Next moment
the colonel came in, and Miss Kings
ton etood face to face with her hero,
across whose white waistcoat the mas
sive cnain she had given him was
proudly displayed.
why -why-" she began, blush
ing almost as red as Private Crockett
when seated in the cfic3r's Chair, "we
ere old acquaintarces!'
And cousins" added the colonel
bowling.
You saved my life!'
'IG pleases you to say so, Ihave
come to thank you for your cf5r to
share Balcomer with me-"
1T would be a pity to divide Bal