The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-03-28

IHe leuteidiI III coiuuailu vi Ine Squdu
stood with an open paper in his hand.
Ruby sat rigidly silent in her saddle while
the inspection progressed from one pound
of tea to two bars of laundry soap, the
alpha and omega of Aunt Dora list A
great many brilliantly cutting remarks oc-
Cured to her, but discretion carried the
day. She tossed her pretty head angrily
as the sergeant threw her saddlebags back
into position.
"T hope the Federal army is quite
satisfied, $" she said pertly.
The lieutenant in command made SOL
dierly salute and smiled gravely "The
Federal army is quite satisfied and only
regrets the annoyance adherence to orders
has occasioned the young lady. Military
necessity.
Ruby had the grace to feel ashamed of
her asperity. Perhaps if the rebuke had
not come from strikingly handsome
young man she might have held on to her
bad humor more successfully. She rose
in her stirrups to make sure of the saddle
bags. Her cheeks were rivals to her name
for ruddiness, and her eyes resolutely ig-
nored the lieutenant gentle regards
From the folds of her habit small
paper parcel fluttered to the ground. The
commotion it created was entirely dispro-
portioned to its size or the value of its
contents.
The privates snickered openly, the ser
geant grinned maliciously, and the lieuten-
ant swore softly under his breath as he
stopped and captured the parcel Ruby
clasped her hands before her face and
broke into stormy sobs.
cts only a-veil; a-little bit-of a
miserable quarter of yard-of
gauze | haven had-a single new thing
to wear for two whole-years |
should think you would all be ashamed of
yourselves.
The lieutenant stood turning the small
parcel over in perplexity. For the first
time in his life he rebelled against doing
his duty. He glanced almost appealingly
at his sergeant. The sergeant was man
Of sterner mold or perhaps he was mar
ried man. He saw and frowned upon the
handsome lieutenant dilemma.
''Orders are, sir, that any or all parties
caught carrying anything through the lines
not on their permits are to be remanded to
the provost marshal and goods to be con-
fscated.''
Ruby blanched and swayed in her sad
die. She bent toward the lieutenant with
the frightened cry: 1.-The provost marshal!
Jailr' She frightened her hold upon the
bride. IF the worst came to the worst,
she would make Vixen trample that inso-
lent sergeant under her hoofs and run
for it. -
1t was already growing dark there under
the black walnuts where they had halted
her. Birds were twittering slespily over
her head as they settled themselves for the
night The quietness of absolute peace
wrapped the earth about. With note Of
tense nervousness she said sharply,
"Well ?"
The young lieutenant raised the parcel
in his hand and looked at her gravely.
II am inviting severe reprimand from
my superior officer, perhaps worse, by not
making you turn back, but if you will
pledge me the word of lady that this is
the only contraband article you have about
you I will let you proceed on your way,
committing your sentence to confscation of
the veil "
A smile Of radiant gratitude chased the
shadows from Ruby's sweet face. ''ln-
deed, indeed, that is all. After [ got
through my shopping, | had just little
bit of money left, and I bought that veil
to wear with my new palmetto hat l
expected to look dreadfully fine in brand
new thing out of real store, but life con-
sists in going without. am sure | am
very much obliged to you for not hauling
me up before that horrid provost marshal.
You are welcome to my poor little veil.
You can keep it as war trophy.
The lieutenant flushed slightly under
the fling, but quietly pocketed the parcel.
eff you will honor me with your name,
young lady, [ will see if the general will
let me forward this to you. .
II would not think of giving either you
or the general so much trouble. Keep it;
it might come in handy as wedding
present. y
Having sped her Parthian dart, she
touched Vixen ears sharply and was soon
out of sight
x x !: x x x
The war passed into history and story.
Everyone who had any personal expert
ences of those dramatic days was at
premium socially. Miss Ruby Simms,
visiting New York school day friend,
found herself always in requisition. She
had the fourfold attraction of beauty,
sweetness, wit and thrilling experiences.
1t was at the close of a dinner given in
her honor by her hostess that she was
called on to repeat her ''charming story of