New-York tribune., 1901-03-17


Oh us ~ had news from Willy-Oh (She stoops
a9 PICKS up telegram. and reads): "SorreI No
i'aiaclava Row, AIdershot: Greatly regret
@ x"uF son. Sergeant Sorrel, No. 81 1,1:50, died of
M"uhdS on board. and buried-at sea
colonel Commanding 9th Northumberland Fusi-
HeiS Oh. poor old fellow
(From the kitchen comes the sound of .'Old
tIlmea's voice singing loudly and cheerfulIy
see the conquering Hero Comes" Mary's
sobs grow louder)
Mrs Peppercorn dropping the telegram and
putting apron to her eyes)-Oh, poor "Old
crimea." All of 'em took,
Old crimea' (within)-Mary. Mary!
Mary coming suddenly down to Mrs. Pepper
corn ,I, win 6anched face)-Mrs. Peppercorn, it'll
Old Crimea" (within)-AIary! Mary. Dag it,
where is the girl?
Mary-He's comm. Oh what am 1 to do?
Nhat am L to do? (She clings crying, Mrs.
PeppercornD
Mrs Peppercorn-Child. child what is there to
he done? Don't let i'm see you're cryin'. Best
break 1T gently. He's an old man now,
fOid crlmeas" voice grows nearer, humming
VIGOROUSLY Mary flies to the door and stands
thefe choking back her tears Mrs Peppercorn
hastily wipes her eyes and bends over the table.
old Crimea' enters)
"Old Crimea'-Now. my girl. no dawdling
Bustles the word. There's too much time
TO finish the decorations afore the boy comes.
(He rubs his hands eXcitedy)
Mary-Yes. father.
old Crmea''-Thats it, my girl. that the
why. what's the matter? You've been Cryin'?
Mrs. Peppercorn Chastity. with mock zeaD-
Wen, sergeant, ard why shouldn't the girl cry?
Isn't the regiment a-comin' 'one. and don't all
girls cry when they're goin' TO see their sweet
hearts? Fer JOY. that's what she's a-cryin' for.
an SO am |. But she's laughn now, amt you
chifd?-aint you, Mary?
Mary-Yes, Mrs. Peppercorn, I'm-Tm laugh
ing now
-'OId Crimea" (gravely passing his hand a
little feebly over his face) -I'm-Im glad q that
II thought for a Notwithstanding seemed
Mary quitting her arms tenderly round her
-Iathers - neck)-No' no, father darling You
mustn't think such things. just because a Wom-
an cries A womans tears-dont mean-that-
always! See. I'm laughin now, father darling.
I'm laughin' now, Hai ha, ha,
'Old Crimea" (patting her shoulder and kiss
ing herb-Thats right, my lass, that's the way.
Now, lend me a and with the festoon over the
door, will e? HIe suddenly Mrs Pepper
corn. with a sudden change of face. put her foot
on the telegram, Mrs. Peppercorn this voice is
shrill with fear). Wh2t-whats that?
Mary drumming forward and picking it up)-
It's a telegram. father darling.
+'old Crimea" quitting his hand the table
20 steady himseif)-A-a telegram? What's in
tMrs- Peppercorn puts her finger her lips
warningyD
Mary-it's from Willy Peppercorn father.
old Crimea'-Oh. it's from Willy. is it? HIe |
looks wonderfully relieved, and heaves big
breath.) Give it to
Mary tbreathessly)-B you can't read it |
without your glasses, father,
Mrs. Peppercorn Chastily)-Iet Mary read it, /
sergeant
odd Crimea"-Aye. aye, my girl. Read it,
read il,
Mary-Thank you father, (She struggles with
her emotion. and then reads. Mrs. Peppercorn
bends eagerly forWard.)-''Nith you soon. Love
to Mary. Best respects to Old Crimea.' "
''Old Crimea'-Best respects to "Oid Crimea."
Thankee, lad; thankee. Mrs Pepperc6rn, mum, !
bring in your boy to tea. The wrinkles IL go
round ard it's right and proper to be all together
to-day, seem 'oW were all in the regiment
and you re Goin to belong to the family. AIRY
'ud like it. They're Chums your Willy and my
AIRY, good boys. and good soldiers, both. uDs-
tant sound OF military musicD All, there they
are Trains in. Did you ear the band? Mrs.
PeppercOrn, hang up this festOOn over the door
while Mary gets my old tunc. (Mrs. Peppercorn
bustes do SOD Now. then, my girl. Must
receive my boy with all the honors, that's sartn,
and i'm a sergeant. Top drawer, Mary, under
the tissue paper. Bustle lass, hustle. Tut, tut,
I'm that stirred / can't get of this dagged
coat
Mary-Tn help you. father darling. (She
hurries back to him, putting the tunic on the
table,
'Old Crimea'-Thats right, my girl. 0Ie gets
of it and turns Mary. putting his arms
round herr Ny little bessin' calls her old dad
Father darlin' " quite lot to-day, don't she?
More than she has for quite long time. Are
you fond Of your old father?
Mary (clinginS tightly TO the old man)-Oh,
father, you're ali I've got in the world.
f'Old CIimea" (pushing her Indignantly away
What's that? You're not proud Of your
brother. then? You've got love for your
brother. who's carry the good of
SorreI after is father sends in is papers? For
shame Garter. FOR shame,
Mary-No, nc, father. 'Tsn't that. l love
AIRY as much you do. I'm proud of him
araf