The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21

enoke With the others. II Miss Betty
iareNe found them worth weeping for
'ney could afford to cry a little for
lAeinseives Yet they Joined the chorus
hpDly, and raised the roof with the
h-glnS song, sending the famboyant
proud old words thundefously to
heaven.
mat vas not the last song of the
night. General Trumble and Mr.. Chen
oNeth had invited their young friends
ir attend, after the ball, a collation.
winch they chose 20 call a supper. but
which. TO accord with the hour, might
more apuy have been designated
breakfast. To afford a private retreat
tor the scene of this celebration, they
had borrowed the Offices of Gray &
fanrevel. and Crailey Hospitality an
nounceo that any guest was welcome to
say Icr year OF two. since, probably,
neither Of the firm would have need OF
an ONCE for at least that length Of
time Nine men gathered about the Ia
pie which replaced Toms Workaday
oid desk; the two ChenOweths. Eugene
MadrillOn, Marsh, jefferson BaTeaud.
lie sto1t general. Tom Nanrevel, Graf
ley and VIII Cummings. the editor
coming IN q little late, but rubbing his
hands cheerfully over what he declared
vas to be the last column from his pen
10 rear its length on the Journals front
page for many a long day-a descrip-
ton OF the presentation Of the flag, a
bit OF prose which he considered almost
equal TO his report OF the warehouse
fire.
This conviVial party made merry and
tried to forget that most of them had
been mighty teary," as Marsh said,
an hour earlier; while Chenoweth
sat with his hand on his sons shoulder,
unconsciOusly most Of the time. apollo
setically removing il when he observed
IL Many were the witticisms concern
ing the difference in rank henceforth to
be observed between the young men, as
Tom was now a major, Marsh a cap
tain, VIII Cummings a second lieuten-
ant, and the rest mere privates, eX-
cept Craiiey. who was a corporal
Nevertheless, though the board was
festive. it was somewhat subdued and
absent until they came to the toasts.
II was TapDingham who proposed to
Miss Betty Carewe. 7 know Tom Van
revel VIII understand-nay, know he's
man enough to join US" said Marsh as
lie rose. Why shouldn't say that We
may hail ourselves as patriots, indeed,
since at the call Of our country we de-
part from the town which is this lady's
home, and at the trumpets sound re-
sign the gracious blessing of seeing her
day by day; and why shouldn't we ad-
nit Loyalty and openly that it is her
image alone which shines in the hearts
OF most Of US here2"
And no man arose to contradict that
speech. which appears to have rung
tue, seeing that four Of those present
had proposed to her Cagain) that same
evening.
so ] give you" cried Tappingham,
calamity. "the health Of Miss Betty
Carewe. the lovelest rose Of our bou-
Quet, May she remember US when We
come homet"
They rose and drank it with a shout.
But Tom VanreveI. not setting down
his CUP. went TO the window and threw
wide the shutters, letting in a ruddy
shaft of the morning sun. so that as he
stood in the strong glow he looked like
4 man carved out of red gold. He lifted
his glass. not toward the table and his
companions, while they stared at him,
surprised, but toward the locusts of
Carewe Street.
ITO Miss Betty Carewe," he said,
'the finest flower Of them all, May she
remember those who never come
home!"
And without pausing he lifted his rich
berytone in an old song that had been
vastly popular with the young men of
Rouen ever since the night Of Miss Bet
tvs debut; they had hummed it as they
went about their daily work, they had
whistIed IT on the streets, they had
drifted into dreams at night with the
sound OF II still Ginning in their ears,
and now, with one accord, as they
stood gathered together for the last
time IN Rouen they Joined Tom Van
reveI and sang ii again. And the eyes
Of Crailey Gray rested very gently upon
his best friend as they sang:
sBsIis-s ne, II all those endearing young
charms.
which I gaze On so fondly to-day.
Were 70 change by tomorrow and feet from
Ike fairy gifts fading away.
Thou wouldst stiu be sdored as this moment
thou art:
Let thy ioveIiness nade as II will,
And around the dear ruin, each wish ef my
would entxIse itself verdantIy still"