Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-10-08

I = LANCINI III tne Q1reCtlOn Sfle 11lQ1CaCeQ,
- Bellew observed tall figure, very
straight and upright, clad in tight fitting
blue coat, with extremely tight trousers
strapped beneath the insteps, and with a
hat balanced upon his close cropped, griz-
zled head at perfectly impossible angle for
any save an ex-cavalryman. Now, as he
stood examining peach tree that hourished
against the opposite wall, Bellew saw that
his right sleeve was empty, sure enough, and
was Topped across his broad chest.
THE very first thing he will say will be,
1t is a very fine day" nodded Miss Pris-
ella, stitching away faster than ever, "and
the next, I he peaches are doing very well.
Now mark my words, MIR. Bellew!"
AS she spoke, the Sergeant wheeled sud
denly right about face. and came striding
down toward them, jingling imaginary spurs,
and with his stick tucked up under his re-
manning arm, very much as if it had been
saber.
Being come up to them, the Sergeant
raised a stiff arm as though about to salute
them, military fashion; but, apparently
changing his mind, took off the straw hat
instead and put it on again, more over one
ear than ever.
"A particular fine day. Miss Priscilla, for
the time O the year." said he.
Indeed, l quite agree with you, Ser
a
bright nod and sly glance at Bellew, as
much as to say, 81 told you SOP
"And the peaches, Ma am" continued the
Sergeant, "the peaches never looked better,
Ma am Having said which, he stood look
ing at nothing in particular, with his one
hand resting lightly upon his hip.
ayes. to be sure, Sergeant" nodded Miss
Priscilla, with another sly look "But let
me introduce you to MIR. Bellew, who is
staying at Dapplemere.'
The Sergeant Stiffened, once more began
salute, changed his mind, took off his hat
instead, and, after looking at it as though
not quite sure what to do with it next,
clapped it back upon his ear, in imminent
danger of falling off, and was done with it.
"Proud to know you, Sir your servant, Sirl'
"How do you do?" said Bellew, and held
out his hand with his frank smile.
The Sergeant hesitated then put out his
remaining hand. "NIy left, Sir" said he
alphabetically. Cant be helped-left my
right out in India good many years ago.
Good place for soldering, India, Sir
plenty of active service, chances of promo
| tion,-though sun bad
Sergeant" said Miss Priscilla, without
seeming to glance up from her sewing, "Ser-
geant, your hiatt"
Hereupon, the Sergeant gave sudden
SlucWlSC join VI lllc Icdu, anu Ill lllc very
nick of time saved the article in question
from tumbling off, and very dexterously
brought it to the top of his close cropped
head, whence it Immediately began slowly
and by scarcely perceptible degrees, to slide
down to his ear again.
Sergeant, said Miss Priscilla again. "sit
| down. do
@Thank you, Ma am" said he, and pro-
ceeded to seat himself at the other end of
the rustic bench, where he remained, bolt
upright and with his long legs stretched out
straight before him, as is and has been the
manner Of cavalrymen since they first wore
straps.
"And now said he, staring straight in
front of him, show might Miss Anthea be-"
ooh, very well, thank YOU, nodded Miss
Priscilla.
"Good!" exclaimed the Sergeant, with his
eyes still fixed. "Very good!' Here he
passed his hand two or three times across
his shaved chin, regarding an apple tree
nearby with an expression of the most pro-
found interest
"And how" said he again, show might
Master Georgy be-"
"Master Georgy is as well as ever" an
SWered Miss Priscilla stitching aWay faster