The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-10-24

L
am sure, could be more loyal than
She" But he tore himself away with
some troublous thoughts running
through his brain.
He sought an early opportunity to
secure Jane by himself. Come,
sweet MISTRESS" he said, land take u
stroll with me. 1 long to see if I
cannot frightcn away that pensive
look upon your lovely face. What
solemn thoughts have been playing
havoc with your gayety tonight"
Jane looked at him in some sur
prise. 'lIave l not been gay?" she
asked. 81 thought | had. l know of
no excuse for solmcn musings UNI
less, indeed, it be the solemnity of
contrasts, and, in truth, could not
but think, as | watched this beauti-
full scene which you have conjured
for us tonight. what Il medley our
life now is. This afternoon, from
my chamber window, | saw you take
past our house the prisoners you had
captured. Such sad, weary-faced
men they were, many of them sorely
wounded and scarce able to walk.
My heart bled for them: vet here to-
night we are in the midst of music
and dancing, and they within ear
shot OF it all. How cruel, how heart
less it must seem to them.'
"Mcthinks, madam," Bessemcr an
swcrcd. with sheer born of his ac-
cumulated irritation, though policy
warned Kim of the unwisdom of
showing it. "mcthinks you show
most wondrous Solcitudc for these
rebels: and what think you have
heard Tonight? That you are one
at heart
A merry look spread over James
face. If she could but keep him
fencing with her upon the subject
of tory or rebel. she might prevent
him from preaching the other sub
,cct she dreaded, for she was not yet
prepared to say whether or not she
would marry him.
And So you have found me out ?"
she cried in mock dismay. "Ah, col
onel, what punishment will you mete
to me" Ann | to be carried Il cap
tive on one of your prison ships now
| lying in Charleston harhor? They
say they are most unpleasant places
to reside in. Or am to be hung, or
what -
Bcsscmer looked down at her, the
gravity of his face softcning before
the sparkle in her eyes. 81 do not
KNOW" he said, what punishment
could be great enough to mete out
to one who wthdraws so precious an
ally from the kings cause; however,
with your permission, fair lady, we
will leave that most serious question
for future consideration. Tell me
rather what you think of the sue,
humor tory friends? Think you not
this entertainment will make the
ladies wish the harder that we might
remain victors instead of those un
manncrly rebels and inspire oul
sympathizers among your neighbors
with renewed ard4r? Come, sweet
enemy, give me your opinion"
II doubt not YOU are right, col
onel," she answered saucily. "Me
thinks / have heard that it did indeed
tax the fertile bra in of your genera
and yourself to latch schemes fol
keeping in line your tory allies; bu
my Aunt Susannall says such is eve1
the handicap of q bad cause. The
enthusiasm of its followers, lacking
the fuel of righteousness, soon smoul
dcrs and must be constantly rel<in
died; while IL good cause-well, sh'
would remind you that the American
patriots do not need a dance to in
spire them
"A neat speech, my beautiful
rebel" he observed: "but is this al
the reward | am to receive when
had far more in mind the hope o
giving you enjoyment than of enter
tanning your tory neighbors? Nay
do not turn away. Hear me out
This morning when | rode from you
door my pulses thrnbbed with hope
but to- rioht something in your man
nrr tirwarts nc. What has reare
this barrier between us? Have 20
spent those few short hours in max
ing of your heart y fortress? An'
if so. what weapons cav use tina
will batter down its walls? Will pa
: tience and prrsis tenrc do the work
Then. indeed. will ! never despair
eve all know" Jane observed
chat Col. Rrsscmcr adds to his repr
tation as Il gallant soldier that of Il
, adroit stratrgist. sec he woul
fain hctray the hearts owner into
confession of the strength or veal
ness Is it's forces: but mcthinlls
, would be wiser for the besiegcd t
=. permit the assailant to determine fc
. himself what weapons to use"
"Ah," said Ecssemrr, half bitterl.
half qucstioningly. elf I could onl
i, be sure Il certain rebel were not ha'
bored within the walls of that hear
7 might be moro encouraged to max
G the attack"
+ "And is loyal soldier of his ma
t esty the king to be daunted by
!. rebel?" Jane asked. "Fie! Iwou]
not have thought it,"
The Englshman's face 'larkene
"No, on my soul. is he not he erie
"nor by zen thousand rebels. | n
l. cept your challenge, madam. TT
time is not far distant when I hol
g to prove myself n match for tn;
r rebel. Mcanwhile. it behoovcs me
select one 1T wonder forests sto'
trees for stringing up another rob
v, now in my keeping. 'y daybreak,
"a trust, we shall h" rid of him and lea
" his dangling body as Il warning
:" Cthrrc of his IL. F"