Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-08-27
For the Sake
Of the FL a g
BY MARY c. FIERMON
Copyright, 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Col

HE smattering of fire crackers, the
boom of small cannon, and the
snouts of the boys awoke the young
teacher from her early morning SUM
hsr
1t was still dark, and the moon, near it's
setting, cast wan spectral-like light
through the open west window Of the
room. Its white rays fell on the folds OF
q beautiful silk flag which hung across
the back of an invalid's chair revealing
In the uncertain Pickering light that fell
through the leaves of the clustering ivy,
q dark field set with stars, and billowy
folds of stripes-crimson and white
She work of the patriotic teachers MIN
bic fingers.
She sat up in her white cot and smiled,
as the recollection of the past days
rarduous toll. and the joyful realization of
Its completion dawned upon her con-
seriousness.
Arnold will carry il at the head of
the procession tomorrow. Dear flag"
she murmured as she stretched out her
arms toward the beautiful ensign, your
'colors symbolic the characteristics of
our young love. True as the azure OF the
sky yerhead, steaGfast as a star, and
warm as the crimson tide which feeds
the patriots heart. To-day dear flag,
he whom | cherish with an undying al
fection, will bear thee aloft, because in
all the village there is none as worthy as
ke"
She lay there thinking, thinking
weaving a beautiful fabric of dreams
such as love and youth alone can dream
W 10 n no
hinu the rim of the western horizon, and
the darkness which precedes the dawn,
filled the room.
Day, rosy and bright, marched tri-
umphantly through the gates of the east
The noises in the street grew more tumu-
tuous. The bonfires died out on the sur
rounding hill tops, and from the upper
lwindows OF stores and factories, long
streamers of gay bunting tuttered in the
morning breeze.
In large, white cottage whose spac-
ious veranda was covered with ivy, and
over whose front door hung a torn and
soiled flag, that had passed through the
battle storms of the rebellion, sat two
contented people chatting over the COM
ming attractions of the day.
And they've chosen you for the
lstandard bearer, Arnold" the stately,
sweet-faced matron was saying as her
leyes rested on the eager face of the
young man who sat at the opposite end
of the table. This, l understand, is to
be no military parade. Everybody is TO
march. or didn't you say so, Arnold?'
Yes, mother. That is" He hest
ltated and a look of sadness dimmed the
iglad light in his handsome eyes. Then
he added, slowly: Every BODY who can
Smarcb. OF course. Poor Nell! She'll
find this day rather lonely and dull I'm
afraid"
''Dinah has fixed up couch for her on
the front porch of their house where she
can see the procession. Their house is
just opposite the park. She can hear the
music, and almost every word from the
speakers stand"
The conversation was interrupted by
rap at the door, and little girl, dressed
in fresh pink dress, handed Mrs.
West large parcel. 1.-The flag, mother!"
exclaimed Arnold. Enthusiastically. as
his mother removed the wrapping pa
per. What beauty! It's present to
our company, you know, only to-day it s
to head the procession and float from the
top OF the flag pole over the speaker s
stand in the park. Just see how beauti-
fully it is made! Poor little Nell, she
must have grown weary over the task"
1T is work of love-" said Mrs. West,
gently. Love never wearies of its
\ tasks"
| III that scoundrel of brother Of hers
hadn't been, Nell would have been as
strong and healthy as any girl in town.
lie frightened her horse, you know, over
at Dexter, where she was teaching three
years ago. She was just getting up in
ner carriage, when the animal took
fright, and her dress caught some way in
e wheel Oh I can't bear to think of
Pc rest! VIII never cared. though"