Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-09-12
Observation-Disclosures
iJUST EXCHANGE. !
0777
Ply E A FOOTE
-. $1,000
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

dear. no. But Uncle sam links best
t0keea his sons in training.
Every instant Ted could spare from
his official duty was spent ut The
Gins. his uncle's place. His cousins
Nell and Bob. were in the swim of
Virginia society. and Ted found il
very hard sometimes TO leave his per-
sonal pleasures for his only too clear
duty. And so on this day. when he
had had moment Ia spare. h, stood
Oh The Elms' vcranda waiting for his
cousin Nell to come down. He had de-
-cided to surprise lier that day. and so
had kept silent when he heard his
name called twice from the stairs.
Then he heard footsteps. girls foot
steps. in the hail. and lie stepped back
into the shadow OF the door. ana just
as she crossed the threshold sprang
forward and caught her in his arms.
, '"-AImit l surprised you. Nell" he
cried. as he kissed her lightly.
Yes" the C.rl admitted. quietly.
s.yon did surprise me. only. you see.
nm not Nell
Not Nell:" lie echoed
Then he stepped l'ack. Before him
was a young girl with rumplei brown
hair and laughing black eyes She
was dressed In Nell's riding habit. but
she was girl Ted had never seen.
n"Oh. l beg pardon" he began. but
e e interrupted him.
"Oh. I know what you're co:rS TO
y. You're awfully sorry. AMI it'll
EVER happen again. 1t was an awful
under-rather mistake and-don't
3u think you'd better tell me your
ame:" she added somewhat lanely.
ain 4 moment Ted was himself again.
The girls speech had given him time
20 regain his thoughts.
"AIiss-''
Hastings" she prompted.
'Thanks. Miss Hastings. can never
tell you how sorry ! am for this. 1t
was an awfully awkward blunder.
and I hope you will excuse ire. but
really" he added honestly. Il didn't
know whom l was kissing or | might
have been tempted 10 do it any way.
But. any way. hope. rs / said be-
fore. that you will excuse your humble
servant. FED Scott. Reference-well.
I'm second lieutenant in the United
States Army
Delighted to meet you. I'm SIRE.
Mr. Scott But don't let us be NJ ali
foolish about IT. ard please don't tell
any one"
-'Of coun.c it shall he just as you
ay.'' was all Ted had time TO say.
Just then Nell came down. and
them standing there. said
ly-
I'm SO glad you weren't so
as to have to be introduced
you spoke. / forgot to tell
ID. that Mildred was coming"
ks. little cousin. but you see.
ont to my great joy said Ted.
think we've bcan pretty well
iccd'-at which Mildred Hast
flushed so rel that Nell instant
nSed the subject.
1tTeds great DELIGHT. after his
Gnpany had hecn dispersed. his un-
fe had invited him 10 remain nj The
Gins to Nelrs house party.
Strange 10 say. Mildred Has .ings
was invited to stay also. Stranger
still was the fact that they We're both
accepted.
1t was the day that the guests were
to arrive. and Ted. rs member OF
the family. and Mildred rs an Oil
Hriead were doing their best 10 help
ahings along. Ted. going 10 the barn
to order the carriage for Bob and Neil
ITO the station to meet their
as ran. just ut the front door.
light into Mildred's arms.
Oh. Mr. Scott she exclaimed,
lis door,
See here" he interrupted. IF yoI
III me Mr. Scott again I'll go AMI
boot myself or pass away from
81 TX Anyhow. you'll never see me
% in. Really and truly. Miss Hast
ngs."
Such gay times as that party had.
Riding. skating and slei@hing. Such
oily evenings. as they sat gathered
round IN open fire.
It was rot until the last week of
heir ;tay that Ted got Milly away
fhe rest of the party He had
d her to walk with him. and she
al willingly accepted.
For some time they walked along in
silence. when Ted remarked:
~ penny for your thuGhts."
They're worth more than that" she
,scplied carelessly.
''Will you give me guess:'
-'Give you three. you'd never fnd
out"
You were thinking of thc-the time
we first met
He spoke as IL positive She colorea
ID glanced AZ him quickly.
SLOW do you know
"Because l was thinking aho"t It
.yself'
She laughed.
'You certainly were foolish and i'm
dent that dag. weren't you. now"
No" he replied. quietly. ''Impu
1t. perhaps. but not foolish. You
e beautiful and are--every one says
ID euess you're more beautiful
than to any one else." he added.
silly.
rlish boy" che said softly.
10 agreed. very. very foo,-
once had a drear