Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-04-24

She began to dance lightly about the hall.
thought myself to look at the captain
1t was easy to see that the thrall Jaque-
line had been weaving about him was
complete.
"JaQuelinev'
Miss Pinkley had entered the hall
and stood looking at her severely.
Jaqueline stopped as suddenly as If
she had been moved by electricity and
the current had been turned of.
I'm astonished at yo'," said the lady.
''Yo've made the acquaintance Of these
gentlemen only this afternoon, and
here yO' are dancing befo' them as II
yo' were n soubrette in a theater."
"My dear madam" interposed, you
have no idea Of the pleasure she has
given us. She would be a grand sue
cess on any stage"
do yo' think SOL" Queried Jaqueline
triumphantly. I'D love to dance on
the stage"
"Jaqueline" again cried Miss Pink
ley.
whats the harm. auntie? I'm not
on the stage"
Eyes. but you want to be. To think
Of a Rutland on the stage! Yo' pa
would be mawtified to DEATH"
She passed up stairs. and Jaqueline
began again to rattle on In her singular
way. Suddenly it struck her that she
wanted Ginger's banjo, and. calling
Cynthia, she sent her for 1t. Then.
after testing the strings, she began to
play and sing. The music was light,
but sweet, being composed chiefly Of
those unique negro melodies born under
the slave system as delicate plants
sometimes spring up among poisonous
weeds. -
Without warning she put the banjo
down and began to talk again. skipping
from one subject to another, astonish-
ing US by her condolences, sometimes
asking questions, but seldom waiting
for an answer. Presently spoke Of
my stay with the Stanforths.
THE Stanforthsr' she cried. do
you know 'emr'
Eyes. Do your"
fought to; they're my cousins. Did
you see MinervaY
'NO. Who's MinervaY'
"Her real name is Helen. We called
her Minerva at school. I went to school
with her two years. She's older than
!, though"
Il have met Miss Helen StanfOrth."
IF you refer to the young lady we
met today" the captain remarked,
''she's very beautiful and high bred
woman, much like our Geowgia beau
ties"
"She knows everything" said JaQue-
line; theology, geology, biology, psy-
chology. Any more Of 'em?"
'That's quite enough" admitted.
"Did you see BuckY
ooh. yes. Buck and 1 became quito
friendly"
Friendly! Buck was born to be
hanged"
What makes you think thatr
Most fiery, pestiferous little imp yo'
ever saw! Doesn't stop at anything"
Mere flashes of a strong nature.
When he grows up, he'll control it and
be all the stronger for It,"
Think SO? If he was black and
owned him. I'd have him whipped
every day."
A colOred woman came in and told
the captain that Miss Pinkley present
ed her compliments, and a room was
ready for him whenever he chose to
occupy 1t. She also informed him that
I could have a room.
Captain" said, II have no reason
to get away from you. Indeed,
wouldn't leave your guardianship lust
now for plantation. The man who
has accused me is In league with
others who are interested in getting me
out of the way. Now, If you'll permit
me to go to bed without q guard I'll
give you my word Of honor not to
leave this house till after the watch has
been resumed tomorrow"
Now, captain" put in Jaqueline be-
fore the officer could reply, "let the poo
man go to bed"
"Fo' 20 sake!" he asked, looking ut
her with an expression half admirIng,
half comical.
"Fo' my sake. TO- 20 sake, TO every
body's sake"
She went up in front Of him and. put
ting her little oval face within a few
inches Of his, brought her swapping
eyes to bear on him and stood waiting
for his decision.