Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-01-16
The Lieutendnt'S
Christmas Box ~
By F. B. REID.
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Copyright. 1905. By Daily Story Pub. Coz


MISS FELICIA DE SMYTHE was
lVl flake on the upper crust Of
San Francisco society. Her claim
to social eminence could not be
disputed, for the De Smythe family
tree was traceable as far back as
1S49, and Felicia herself was heiress to
an immense fortune, the foundation of
which had been laid by De Smythe pere
many years previous to his daughters
brilliant debut BY shrewd financial
stroke, be had cornered the soap market
ut period when saponaceous and other
commodities were shipped thither
around the Horn, and he had sold at a
tremendous profit. The absence Of soap
had not embarrassed the population In
the least, so far as it's additions were
concerned, but soap was a necessity for
miners jeans and flannel shirts and so
De Smythe wisely held onto the cargo
until he got his own price for 1t. Unlike
sundry other San Francisco millionaires.
1t could, therefore, truthfuly be said OF
him that he had made his money In nice
clean way.
1t was but natural that the envious,
where so much wealth and aristocracy
were concerned. A corner groceryman's
wife to whom De Smythe mere had given
the cut direct one afternoon in the park
from the height of her carriage and
through the lorgnette's CLASSY eye, had
meanly retaliated-such Is the petty vim
dictiveness of some natures-by declar-
Ing that the De Smythes went fat broke
upon their arrival in California and Mrs.
De Smythe had taken In plain sewing to
help supply the larder with beans, flap
Jacks and an occasional rasher of bacon.
Nor was that all. The grocery lady had
damaging documentary evidence up her
sleeve in the shape Of letter Of thanks
over the De Smythe's signature (minus
ahe family crest. now conspicuous on
their stationery for the formers patron
age. But this proved a mere ripple on
the surface of the De Smythes' tidal
wave OF social success. Shortly after
the grocery bore Ito let" sign and its
occupants went back to the Fatherland.
where they limited a legacy had been
left them. The base theory, however,
that they were bought of has, strange to
say, It's adherents to this day.
Felicia's formal entrance to society
had been made via the shrimp-pink tea
route. The list OF her accomplishments
was appalling. Size had spent three
whole years in a seminary, three whole
months abroad, had acquired naughty
distingue air, and, through persistent
absorption Of codliver oil a lissoms
figure, which was always faultlsssly
1rrN
French modiste. She entertained ex-
tensively at the De Smythe mansion In
town. their villa at Belvedere and their
bungalow at Burlingame. Suitors pros.
trated themselves vainly before her. II
was destined that not until America
warred with Spain that Felicia's hear,
was thrilled by love.
II happened on the arrival Of the Nine
ty-ninth Tennelraska volunteers. Gu.
riosity had taken her, with her chap.
erone. to the Red Cross rooms at the
Ferry building. She dropped her hand
kerchief. II was picked up by a very
good looking young lieutenant and
handed to her. She bowed her thanks.
The officer lifted his hat Felicia smiled
faintly-blue blood may be kinder to a
soldier than civilian. especially II he
be shoulder-strapped. Again the lieu
tenant bowed. then moved away.
How nice of him not to presumed"
thought Felicia. He certainly showed
The refinement Of a gentleman and q
thoroughbred. Instead of speaking, he
contsnted himself with silent admira-
ton"
AS matter Of fact, the lieutenant h ad
Just bitten OF the half of large cheese
sandwich and couldn't have uttered a
syllable to save his life.
The Ninety-ninth Tennelraskans went
into camp. Felicia, a day or so
later. ordered the coachman to drive to
the Preside. When she had located the
lieutenant she graciously asked him II
the men OF his company needed any as
eistance. If so-she indicated her purse
with daintily gloved hand CONVEX
eation after that did not languish.
Felicia found army life quite interesting,
she brought Papa de Smythe with her
the next time and he invited the good
looking young volunteer to call.
Another fortnight and Lieut. Roeela-
ston, OF company z, Ninety-ninth Tennel-
s~HNsA, " ~ ", was also a make on the
upper crust Of San Francisco society and
his handsome form was seen at all elite
functions.
TO think that you are going to live
among those dreadful Filipinos and in
Climate that is continual Hammam
path! gurgled Felicia with a burst OF
tears that took the starch ont of tho
Neutenant's collar and Redeemed her
nose unbecomingly. What a shame
you can't dine with us on Christmas
day! But never mindful send YOU the
biggest Christmas box that can find
with delightful surprise in il and Lotto
Of good things"
You are such a good thing yourself"
murmured the lieutenant. irdistinctlv
What was that?" interrogated Eel
icia, anXiously.
I was saying that you are the dearest
angel in all this world. my love-" replied