Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1901-03-06

herr Tie general shot out these words
as IL they were his ultimate degrade
ton.
"B.avo. Beach. Green. I'm really
sorry for you. II you feel like your
self again and viii take me on at pI-
quet tonight, rs usual. l tell you what
I'll do. Ill keep IL all as dark as
There was weird cracking sound.
The general had drawn one OF the
deepest breaths in his experience.
My dear fellow. what has happened
TO your Was il a rib?" asked the ad-
miral. with real concern.
The general winked fast and looked
very angry Indeed Never yet had his
corset thus betrayed him. But 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 string. She looked as grace
full as the Lady Hygeia herself and
her pale pink dress was quite as be
coming as the statues somewhat In
complete attire.
There she is. Now wen get at the
truth" said the general-"that Is" he
added pompOusly. my statements Will
receive the confederation which l. for
one. do not require"
The admiral hastily took snuff. She's
neat little craft. Green" he murmur-
ed. but I'm afraid she doesn't steer
true However,
The two veterans stumped toward
Helena. whose face lit up with smiles
They did not see Master Eric IN their
background. The smiles we're largely
for him. though her greeting OF the ad-
mirai was warm enough 60 astonish
that old man.
I'LL beg to be excused. Miss
Green" said Admiral Brown. Your
father
Merely desires a plain answer 10
an Insulting question. my dear" put in
the general testify.
Papa, exclaimed the girl But her
astoniShment was lost upon the gener-
al FOR Eric Brown was now NJ hand
with "a telegram.
Il thought I'd bring il on" he said.
My father said you were here IL
came the moment you left. dad"
The general snatched the envelope
from Eric. giving him look that would
have been alarming If il had not been
SO grOteSQue The message was from
Sir Titus Beach: This TO say goodby.
Under the circumstances don't expect
10 be In England again for year or
two. Hope you understand. Sorry"
Admiral Browns face relaxed into n
comfortable smile rs he viewed Helena
/ Green. lie forgot his grievance against
/ her
THE impudent rascal: the lying
knockkneed little upstart"' cried the
/ general
Father. dearr' protested his daugb-
\ ter.
I'm be 'deared by no one. miss"
/ continued the irascible old man. "'Pon
my word. I'll not bc anSwrrable for
my senses Here's one fellow charg-
ing you with making that young man
Kiss you in public. and
1t is true. papa" said Helena Green
in whisper Her cheeks were as
/ pink AS her dress. hut her mouth and
eyes were steady.
True, You did did youT"
Take him TO 4 seat. Eric" said Ad-
miral Brown quietly.
The old warrior had collapsed and
was held up apparently 10y his daugh-
ter at one side and Eric Brown nj the
other. He allowed them To guide him
| 70 n bench. where he breathed in heavy
/ gaspS.
Papa. dear" lamented his daughter
what is ii? Is IL your hearth
| The general raised his eyes toward
the admiral Heart be hanged he
said family and then. With yielding in
his gaze. Read that. Brown"
well. well. well. wellr said the ad-
miral when he had read the telegram:
then he looked AT his son and the gen
erals daughter and smiled.
We're we'll quit OF him. sir ex-
claimed General Green suddenly.
THAT may be-" said the admiral pen
sively. but my boys character has 10
be considered now. When a young
man Is 10 all intents and purposes kiss
ed in pubic
Helena Green bluShed divinelY.
shut up. dad said Eric Brown
"Once for all. let's settle it, inter
rupted the general sternly. Was there
anything between you TWO here or
hereabout yesterday afternoon
Eric Brown said not n word. hut Hell
ena Green spoke out like hero.
1T was Eric's birthday, papa" she
explained. and II said he might kiss
me-"
You said-do you mean that he ask
ed If he might
But the admiral interviewed. with a
bOiSterouS laugh that cleared the air
like n thunderstorm.
My dear Green" he said afterNvard.
that settles everything. Fate'S strong
err than couple of old hulkS like YOU
and me. And. by Harry. I'm not sorry
There's no ones daughter Id sooner
see Eric married to. He's not a pau
per either; gets all his poor mothers
money. you know"
The general was beaten completely.
His aStoniShed eyes wandered from
one to another OF the three But the
mention Of Eric Browns pecuuiary cir
cumstances recalled him TO himself
''She's in the same case" he mur.
INJURED. nodding at Helena. My wifc'S
property was entailed. you know"
Al these words Admiral RroVn Sf.,,,,-