The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1908-02-13
GENERALS DILEMMA.

GEN EkAL - DILEMMA.
"The audacity of young men nova
days." declared Gen Morrant, as he
glared at his wife over the breakfast
table, lis appalling truly appalling!"
The old lady coughed and glanced
stealthily at her daughter. ''When was
captain" resumed the general, reaching
for the sugar tongs, L darent have
sneezed in the presence of field officer;
but now-now"-letting fall a lump OF
sugar-"they have the temerity to but
ton-hole a general in the conservatory
and demand-yes, actually demand-his
daughter!"
"Surely he wasn't rude, dear!" inter
posed his wife soothingly.
The young lady buried her face in the
tea-cup.
"Rude!" roared the general. l"And dc
YOU not think it worse than rude for a
man not five minutes in command of a
company man without the ghost of a
war medal-a mana man like Capt
Mayne TOTO ask for generals daugh-
teri"
"He may be general hims, #, some
day" lisped the young lady archly.
''He comes of good family" said the
old lady, smiling. Il have known his
mother since she was a girl
"But it isn't his mother who wants my
daughter affirmed her husband angrily
''it's HIMSELF"
Naturally" said the old lady, com
placently.
.And you approve?' cried he amazedly
Naturally" said the old lady again.
The young lady cast a grateful glance
at her mother.
"You women" exclaimed the general
with Indignation, as he caught his daugh-
ter's glance, "all work together-you are
in a league. | have no one to support
me, but-but L shall be master in my
own house, l shall"
post, sir" said a servant, entering.
The first letter that caught the gen.
erals eye was a large official envelope
marked Confidential" He Immediately
opened it, and after reading it, carefully
returned it to its envelope, and as he did
so, smile of satisfaction crossed his
expansive face.
He was so cheerful for the remainder
of the time he sat at breakfast that both
mother and daughter threw furtive
glances alternately at the suspicious look
ing envelope
Capt. Mayne," said he tersely, as he
rose from the table, sis, after all, a very
good soldier, keen diplomat, and an
able tactician. I shall have pleasure in
recommending him for a good post-one
which he is eminently qualified to fill"
II think he would be very suitable for
the post of son-in-law," said Lady Mar
rant laughingly.
"Son- in-law be hanged!" roared her
husband, stumping out of the room. GIVE
got better post for him than that"
"What can be mean?" asked the young
lady in alarm.
Really, Edith, | cannot imagine, nor
do / see what reasonable objection he
can have toto"
Poor Fred" sobbed the young lady.
"To Fred. But don't cry, Edith dear,
I shall bring him round yet" said her
mother hopefully, kissing her daughters
tear stained cheek.
Hell send him away to some-some
horrid, wild place." moaned Edith tear
fully. away abroad, where he'll-he'll
die with NAL malaria, or be killed by saw
savages."
Flush, DEAR" said her mother, strok-
father wouldn't do anything unkind. He
doesn't like parting with you without a
struggle, but he'll succumb to the inevi-
/ have managed him for a good many
years"
ooh, have your" cried the general, en-
tering the room "And all the time I
thought I was managing you! But you
don't manage me in this affair. You
won't, l say!" with a glare at the re-
treating figures of the two ladies as they
fled from the room.
"Obedience," he said, as he strutted up
and down the room, sis the first duty of
soldier, the first duty of wife, and
it should be--the only duty of daugh-
ter. Managed me for good many years,
indeed!"
The following day the South Surrey
regiment was holding it's regimental
sports. Gen. Sir George Morrant, with
his wife and daughter, sat on the grand
stand. The face of the latter looked
pale and worn, as she sat listlessly
watching the animated scene beyond her.
Her eyes occasionally would brighten up,
however, as they fell upon the stalwart
figure of young officer who was carry
ing out the duties of referee.
AS soon as the last race was over the
general rose.
"Now, my dear,' said he, turning to his
wife, "we must go and award the
prizes"
"Will you remain here, Edith" Lady
Morrant asked her daughter, cor will
YOU accompany us ?"
''Pd rather remain" said she YEARLY.
ooh, you must come with us" said her
father. "The sports are now over, and
everybody is leaving the platform. You
cannot remain here, all alone" And like
the obedient daughter she was, she fol-
lowed.
They crossed over the field to where
stood little square table covered with
green cloth, behind which were several
chairs, few officers, the mems prizes,
and the regimental sergeant major
While Lady Morrant was busily en-
gagged giving out the well deserved prizes,
and her husband was returning the mems