The Elbert County tribune., 1903-10-22

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&x ~ and was considered one Of
seaesekkx& the gayest officers of his
regiment. Although he had
had little opportunity to display his
yalor on the field of battle. he was
always hail fellow well met" with
his associates He was quite suscep-
tible to female charms. often told
stories of his conquests in that line.
and was recognized as lady's man.
On returning from the field of glory
in 1898. lie had influence enough to
secure n position in the New York
Custom House as an inspector. II E'ns
while thus employed that he met the
charming young widow who proved
his undolng.
His military title elung to him in the
Custom House service. and every one
who knew him addressed him as cap
tain
One day. while on duty on steam
ship wharf in Jersey City. watching
the passengers as they came ashore
from Southampton steamer. he espied
lady who walked with the gentle,
modest step OF a youpg widow.
She was followed by a nurse. wear
ing the cap and apron of French
bonnc; and in the arms of the nurse
was baby, in long and flowing white
robes.
The captain was on the alert
The lady came up to him, and, throw
ing back her long crepe veil, addressed
him in deep. musical accents:
''You are "a custom officer. sir:"
81 am" responded the captain rather
grufiiy.
Now, the widow was sufficiently
beautiful to dispel the suspicious of
even Captain Gideon Muggins. and
just the style of beauty he would he
sure to admire.
The widow was beautiful. with n
clear, brown eye-or. rather. two of
them-yelvet lidded. heavy fringed. full
and languid, prone to he cast down
modestly and upraised suddenly. to the
no small confusion of the luckless male
bystander.
She wore the full attire OF woe. A
small crepe bonnet. with a slight frost
work of white under brim rested on
her glossy black hair. Such hair. wav-
ing and shining, and blue-black.
Her brow. so smooth and broad, was
undisfigured by lunatic fringe or bang.
Her eyebrows were black and delicate.
but straight not arched. Her nose
might be trifie large, but It was beau
tifully formed; and her mouth was
charming, the lips so full, so tempting
in their proud arch. the coloring so
fresh and rich.
Then her complexion was of soft.
ruddy. indescribable brunette tint. i'm
possible TO picture in words. but
wholly attractive; her chin was so
finely nodded and her throat full and
round.
Altogether. the gay captain thought
"the finest woman Two FOR years.,
For the widows form fully equaled
her face, and she was handsomely
dressed
Il am. madam. he repeated. Where
is your baggage:"
over yonder. 1 am alone-that is.
with the exception of my nurse and
baby. l have to travel so much now,
and always alone"
Tears seemed very close TO the
widows lovely eyes. and a mournfuIly
appealing tone touched the heart of
Captain Muggins.
IAN right, ma'am. Have you much
baggage?"
Not much. Please examine my
trunks. for long TO rest. and my baby
has been quite seasick. poor darling"
The trunks We're examined carefully;
for. however fine woman the widow
might be. DUTY before sentiment"
was the captains motto.
Nothing dutiable was found, and the
trunks We're passed.
The widow took her baby from the
purses arms and hushed 1t to sleep,
as 1t had evinced signs of disquletude
by beginning to wbimper.
"A fine child. ma'am" said the cap
tain, who hated babies like poison.
''Is he not beautiful, my Henry? The
image of his dear-oh.' sob COM
pleted the sentence.
He was beautiful. at least as much
ms could be seen of him. for he was
one mass OF lace and embroidery. his
rosy face half concealed by filny
veil.
HE is fine fellow: how old might
he beT' The captains eyes shone
with interest; he admired the widow
more and more every moment.
Seven months to-morrow-poor little
darlingl To think how much he has
traveledr'
He has. ma'amT