Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1904-02-26

~ UtISSll, tUp cap
5 " 8 tain is very handsome. and
he is doubtless niIss. very cry brave Dr. re-
his wife. He is a man of good charac-
ter, and his family is one of the most
distinguished i'll the country. He is
rich, and he can listen as we'll as talk.
And when he talks he says more than
BERTHE says, butt rather like BERTHE.
am more comfortable in Bertie's
company. Poor BERTHE He isn't as
handsome as the captain. and his brav-
cry"
She laughed softly behind her fan.
BERTHE also wishes Inc to he his wife
Both he and the captain have assured
me that my refusal will make them
desperately miserable; but don't be-
lieve the captain would suffer as Bert
lie would. BERTHE is such violet, And
the captain is gladiOluS. BERTHE
hasn't much social standing. His
father keeps a shop as mine does. Oh,
dear! Whatever's Il poor girl to do?'
IA lady came and sat beside her, max.
Ing remark relative to the din Of the
company.
Miss Melville again raised her fan to
her face.
'What glorious weather it is, isn't
t?' she said, nOn-cOmmittauy.
., She did not catch The others reply.
Tor at that instant the tall form of
Captain GOrtOn swung into view. cross
Ing the lawn laden with paraphernalia
for the afternoons entertainments
He nodded at her and she inclined
her head slightly.
"The captains presence gives our
little celebration quite a military air"
the other was talking.
Il understand that he has made
something of a sacrifice to be with us.
He might have been showing himself
to admrinG thousands in the city. and
he's very fond of showing himself, is
the captain. Since that little affair at
somewhere OF other in India. which
was all in the papers at the time. yOu
remember, when he led Il charge or
sOmething. somewhere where there
was danger he's been in great demand.
He's popular hero. And he looks in
Uniform quite the brave man he's re-
puted to be. which isn't customary
with heroes, you know. Heroes are
usually disappointing as Spectacles."
Eyes" Miss Melville concurred, but
she was only half listening.
- She was again comparing the cap
tain with BERTHE, and BERTHE with the
captain. and apOlOgizing for Bertie's
shortcomings. She seriously believed
that struggle was taking place in
her mind.
The other looked at her quizzically.
! Lovely idea of Mr.. Wareham's.
wasn't it," she went on. after a brief
interval. "These beautiful grounds.
easy chairs, perfectly delicious refresh
ments. and really no more noise than
one might expect, | suppose. Every
one should suffer little in the cause
Of country for the sake of ones pa
triOtic soul"
IOu are ptIItCtit COIrttt.
Miss Melvilles eyes were gazing up
ward where fluffy white clouds were
floating lazily. like pieces Of snow upon
calm blue sea. She was unaware of
the captains approach. immaculate i'll
bis white suit. She was visibly start
led when he spoke to her.
Some of the boys have arranged for
sham battle on the lake. lie said.
"WOuld You care TO see it,"
She arose promptly.
Wont you come. too" she said,
sweetly, to her voluble neighbor. thus
causing the semblance of pucker to
appear above the captains nose.
"There will be no danger, will there,
captain:"
Not the slightest. His smile was
gOOd-humOred. closely approaching pat.
rOnage. There will be nothing but
action and nOise-mere boys play, you
know"
Miss Melville opened her sunshadc
herself, ignoring his movement to that
end. Some quality in his tonc--a quail
fly smacking of insult to boys-and
Bertie-annoyed her. But he was
handsome and brave. this captain,
while BERTHE wasn't. and he was rich
and of aristocratic lineage. while Bert
les father kept common shop She
drew closely to the captains side, and
he leaned toward her. unheeding of
their companion. So they came to the
lake shore, where preparations for the
battle were in progress,