The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-01-06

| MI " Ililc utI AuEDdlu SOL "ie'' AANN
 feet on the porch railing, discussing the financial state of the country. But | Penelope's heart thrilled with pride
 Nathans name had been drafted, and
 he could not very well secure a sub
 stitute, but she did not know that. She only realized that she was giving her
 all in defense of her coutry, and, like
 the Spartan mother, she rejoiced in the sacrifice. It had been her one conso- | lation in her bereavement that Nathan had at last clothed his name with glory and shown himself to be a worthy citl- 1 zen of Sanaan. No one disabused her mind of this belief in her soldiers brav- cry by intimating that her Nathan was generally in the rear guard. On the contrary, they endeavored to foster her loyalty by every means possible. Cor oral Brent went over the old battle scenes again and again, and Miss Pen elopes eyes would flash and turn toward tn esaber on the wall, while, in imagin- ation, she saw her hero storming the barrcade, climbing the ramparts and facing the fire of the enemy.
 She's the one that oughter gone ter the war, an left Nathan home ter wash the dishes," Corporal Brent would say, with a stamp of his wooden leg 'She got precious little satisfaction out of him when he wuz alive; I'm goin' to give her all kin now he's gone"
 He was the first to come around and bid her godspeed on her journey.
 'Ef you haven't got claim agin the government, no one has. Wilder Briggs. I'd hey seen thet you got yer Just dues long afore this, only I knew your sentiments on the subject. I'm glad you're takin' a diffrunt view uv the matter. l f.m sol"
 It was all the same with the neigh bors, old and young. They took such an interest in her undertaking and seemed to look upon it with such pro- nounced approval that Miss Penelope had not the courage to intimate that her views had not undergone any re- markable change, but that she was be- ing propelled to Washington by the in- defatigable will of Elvira Bracket. It was only when she was seated in the train in neatly mended apparel, sur rounded by various bundles and pack ages-the donation of appreciative friends--that she realized she wae now deprived of that sustaining prop, and dependent on her own resources.
 Nigh onter 72 an startin' for the Capitil, Whatever would Nathan say?" the dear old lady kept repeating to herself as she counted her bundles over and over, sitting bolt upright, the prey to many fears and misgivings.
 These were somewhat dispelied when she reached the city and saw the genial face of the landlady nodding up at the car window.
 There! I knew you the first minute I set eyes on you" she said, taking the little old lady in her arms with true Southern spontaniety "Juy-Ann de- scribed you all right Pretty near tired to death, I suppose? Let me take the bundles; we'll get home as soon as we can and then you shall have a good long rest."
 Its quite a journey to take at your age, now isn't it?" she continued, when they were seated at last in the car riage But then it's worth the trou- ble if you get the pension, and I have no doubt that you will"
 Ever1y one she met seemed to be un- der the same impression. All the board- CTS concluded at once that the dear desire of her heart was to secure this monthly stipend Some even took it for granted that she had been fighting for 1t for the last twenty years with the result of having it continually dis allowed.
 II don't see how they could have kept you out of it so long, Auntie," observ- ed giddy youth as he viewed the gentle, faded face through his monocle.
 T wish that could draw sum like that without earning it.' said her next neighbor a department clerk. q have to work hard enough for my pittance,"
 Miss Penelope turned and looked at him refectively. The her mind flew back to the saber on the wall and she smiled. It was peaceful smile and it opened every heart to her entrance.
 Before the week was past she had re- counted all Nathan's battles; offered to work q ''tiger lily" for the pretty young lady who was going to be married in the spring and started chest protector for the young man opposite, who was in consumption.
 Within the month she had taken the tour of the public buildings: had gazed awestruck on the wonders of the capi- tol, and Washington monument, and. grandest treat of all, had seen the sol diers' home, with it's corps of feeble ve- erans and Arlington, with its 1700O headstones and it's monuments to the unknown dead. Miss Penelope said nothing as she strolled slowly along the ranks of "bivouacked dead" but her face wore a look exaltation when she left the sacred spot.
 Her application had been sent in, but had not yet been acted upon. At last l the department clerk offered to get his | to intercede for her. | 'That'll hurry it along" he said en- | There's so much red | tape about such matters; they only l need a little pushing"
 Miss Penelope thanked him, but | showed no enthusiasm over his proffer l )f assistance. In fact, se suddenly be- | came quite serious at the prospect of | success. Clyde Whiting attributed it to lneasiness as to the outcome and l thought he was conferring great kind 1ess on the old lady when he interested Congressman Lane in her behalf and .ook him down to the pension office to og her, memory of the dilatory clerks
 "Claim. 9,764--Certainly, sir" and
 l.