Middletown transcript., 1904-11-12
hectic flush in her worn cheeks which

hand Il want TO thank you, Miss, Dale,
for your kind and encouraging letter
it did me no end Of good, way off there
on the other side of the globe and | am
so glad to have found YOU"
"Won't you sit DOWN. she asked,
Hospitality, and she looked into his thin
face and frank blue eyes with friendly
emile. What conld she do for this boy,
No like yet 80 unlike to one Of long ago
Before Lee knew what he was doing
he was telling her all about himself, his
army campaign, and then his home and
his prospects it seemed the most natural
ling in the world to confide in this
sweet, motherly woman. He had no
mother or sister, and his father was a
hard-headed business man not mnch
given to sentiment, though fond and
proud of his SON. What he wanted now,
when his health was mending, was just
the little sympathetic petting that Miss
Dale seemed ready to give.
Il He did not know how long he sat
there the two old ladies had long since
gone off with their knitting when he
started to his feet. But he swayed ur-
steadily and sat down again.
II didn't eat any breakfast" he ex-
planned, as Miss Dale looked at him anx-
iously; II forgot about it, but Til be all
right in a minute. Don't worry, Miss
Dale"
"Of course you will but come with
me p She led him through the broad
corridor into her own cheerful sitting
room. "Now, you just lie down on that
lounge while | make you nice cup Of
tea," she continued, as if she we're talk
| ing to tired child.
He stretched himself obediently on
the lounge, and watched her as she hov-
cred over q little spirit-lamp or fitted
about on homely errands. Then, as his
eyes wandered over the room; he noted
the flowers in the window, the flags on
the wall and the pictures Of the heroes Of
the recent war. At one side, apart from
these, hung three photographs framed Of
men in old-fashioned uniform, the elder
Of the army and the two younger OF the
navy. Under them was suspended an
old rusty cavalry sword 'srhere,"
thought he, II can read story-perhaps
an unfinished romance
"Come," said the hostess, briskly "if
you can sit up and take this know you
will feel better" Then, seeing the direc-
ton of his glance, she remarked simply:
''That is my father, and that my brother
and the other ia the young man | was to
marry-all gave their lives for their coun-
try. That is why care for all soldier
boys" And lie silently reached out his
hand.
She had set the table with one or two
dishes Of delicate old family china yet
remaining to her. And the young man
suddenly discovered that he had an ap-
petite able to do ample Justice to the fresh
cup of tea, the fruit and little biscuits
so invitingly laid before him. While lie
was thus engaged, there came quick
rap at the door then it was thrown open
and young girl, her face alight with
animation, stood on the threshold.
"You told me always to come to your
room, Miss Dale, so | didn't wait; I
wanted to-" She stopped abruptly
on seeing young man in the room, in
stalled there like privileged friend.
"Ethel, this is Captain Peyton," be-
gan Miss Dale-but he had risen sud
denly.
elbow do you do, Miss Vernon? How
glad am to meet you again y And he
shook hands with her heartily. miss
Dale" he continued, "Miss Vernon was
an angel of mercy to me f; she nursed me
through a wretched fever at Montauk
last year, and then she disappeared be-
fore had half thanked her." VI
Captain Peyton was not the only
patient I had, as lie seems to imply" she
said, laughing and coloring little.
"Of course was not. more's the pity!
said he gayly while Miss Dale listened
and smiled at the two young people talk
ing 90 naturally in her own little sitting
room.
t'But only dropped in, can't stay an
instant" said Miss Vernon. 81 came to
tell you, Miss Dale, that had tickets for
the Philharmonic tomorrow know
you like music, SO | want You to 60 with
me / will stop for you
'Thank you, my dear, it is like your
thonghtfulness !; I shall 60 with pleasure"
"And may not walk home with you
now, Miss Vernon ?" asked Lee, picking
up his hat. 81 have been trespassing Oh
Miss Dale's hospitality all the morning
but she seems like an old friend"
Il did not know you were acquainted.
"Well, I'll tell yon all about it on our
way
II think" put in Miss Dale, "that it
might be better for Miss Vernon to see
you home; for, Ethel, he was really quite
faint this morning"
"I shall be grateful any way you fix
it," laughed Lee, $50 long as may talk
to Miss Vernon"
They went out together, after he had
thanked Miss Dale most earnestly for her
kind reception and promised to come
again.
And he did come again and often; for
the gentle old lady, SO intelligent and
sympathetic, was charming companion.
Also, it must be confessed, he was never
without the hope of coming npnn Miss
Vernon at this pleasant rendezvous, and
sometimes his perseverance was awarded.
Not that he had not other opportunities
Of seeing her, for he was welcome at her
home but there seemed to be special
charm in these impromptu meetings.
Miss Dale herself was not Indifferent to
the romance growing up under her eyes
she fostered it in her innocent fashion
till she saw it ready to bud and blossom