Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1900-11-15

what I'll do. IN keep it all as dark
as"
There was a weird CRACKING sounu.
The general had drawn one of the
deepest breaths in his experience.
MY dear fellow, what has happened
TO you? Was it a rib?" asked the adj
miral, with real concern.
The general winked fast, and looked
very angry indeed; never yet haG Lis
corset thus betrayed him. Bat dis
traction was in sight in the shape OF
his daughter The girl was coming
along the pine walk with her pug
dog held by a string. She looked as
graceful as the Lady Hygeia herself,
and her pale pink dress was quite as
becoming as the statues somewhat
incomplete attire.
"There she is! Now we will get at
the truth" said the general. THAT
is" he added, pompously, my state
ments will receive the corroboration
which I for one do not require"
The admiral hastily took snuff.
"She's a neat little craft, Green" he
murmured; "but Pm afraid she does
mt steer true. However,"
The two veterans stumped towards
Helena, whose face lit up with smiles.
They did not see Master Eric in their
background. The smiles were largely
for him, though her greeting of the
admiral was warm enough to astonish
that old man.
"I-Tll beg to be excused. Miss
Greenl" said Admiral Brown. your
father"
Merely desires plain answer to
an insulting question, my DEAR" put
in the general. testify.
"Papa!" exclaimed the girl. But
her establishment was lost upon the
general, for Eric Brown was now at
hand with a telegram.
81 thought I'd bring it on" he said.
"My father said you were here. 1t
came the moment you left, dad"
The general snatched the envelope
from Eric. giving him a look that
would have been alarming if it had
not been so grotesque. The message
was from Sir Titus Beach: "This to
say good-by. Under the circum-
stances, don't expect to be in England
again for a year or two. Hope you
understand. Sorry"
Admiral Browns face relaxed into
comfortable smile as he viewed
Helena Green. He forgot his griev-
ance against her.
"The impudent rascal The lying,
knocl-kneed little upstart!" cried the
general.
Father dear!" protested his daugh-
ter.
"I'll be 'deared' by no one, miss, "
continued the irascible old man.
"'Pon my word, I'll not be answer
able for my senses Here's one fell
low charging you with making that
young man kiss you in public, and"
"It is true, papa" said Helena Green
in a whisper. Her cheeks were as
pink as her dress, but her mouth and
eyes were steady.
"True! You did-did you?"
take him to a seat. Eric!" said
Admiral Brown, quietly.
The old warrior had collapsed, and
was held up apparently by his daugh-
ter at one side and Eric Brown at
the other. He allowed them to guide
him to a bench, where he breathed in
heavy gasps.
Papa. dear!" lamented his daugh-
ter. "what is it? Is it your heart?
The general raised his eyes towards
the admiral. "Heart be hanged" he
said, family; and then, with yielding
in his gaze: "Read that, Brown"
"Welll we'll! we'll! WE'LL" said The
admiral when he had read the tele
gram; then he looked at his son anc
the generals daughter and smiled.
"We're well quit of him, sir!" ex
claimed Gen. Green, suddenly.
THAT may be- said the admiral
pensively. "But my boys character
has to be considered now. When
young man is to all intents and pur
poses kissed in public"
Helena Green blushed divinely.
'Shut up, dad!" said Eric Brown.
"Once for all. let's settle it," inter