Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1911-02-21

pany, had gone to meet him at Char
lotte and escort him to Salisbury. Yet
Betsy must stay at home.
But not every one had gone to Sails
bury. for after awhile Betsy was sur
prised to see two gentlemen riding up
the avenue. On reaching the house
they dismounted, and one, gentleman
of very grand and handsome appear
ance. bowed low to the little maid and
asked If she would be kind enough to
give breakfast to two tired wayfarers.
Betsy courtesied In pretty old fash
ion and said that as all the grown peo-
pie had gone to town to see General
Washington she was afraid the break
fast might not be very nice, but she
would have something ready In q little
while and would they please be seated
on the piazza.
IL am a plain old man." said the
gentleman who had spoken, 'and want
only cup of milk and piece Of corn
bread" The "plain old man" was very
dignified and courteous, and there was
something in his bearing so noble that
somehow his little hostess felt that
here was man fit to stand with the
greatest. 81 promise YOU" he con-
tinued, that you shall see General
Washington before any Of your people
do"
How that might be Betsy did not
know, nor did she question, for there
was something about this unexpected
guest that won her trust from the be-
ginning. So she hurried away to the
kitchen to interview old Dinah. Then,
while Dinah was making ready the
hoe cake and Cindy was setting the
table. Betsy herself ran down the hill
to the springhouse for the milk and
butter. In a little while the simple
repast was ready, and the guests were
hidden to partake Of 1t.
Betsy was pleased. as any hostess
would have been. to see how the break
fast was enjoyed. Encouraged by the
kindness Of the gentleman who had
promised that she should see General
Washington. she talked freely of the
great doings in town that day. There
was to be grand reception in the
afternoon and ball at night. Her
mother had the most beautiful gown
for the ball. and no doubt all the other
ladies had beautiful gowns. But her
father would wear his old uniform.
And then she told Of how her father
honored and loved General Washing
ton and of how he said that he was
the greatest man and the best In all
the world
But now the guests rose, and he who
mad asked for the breakfast thanked
Betsy for it. 1.-THE milk you gave me-
he said. IS the best I have drunk for
many Il day. and the hoecake Is de-
licious. thank you for your' kind
ness. must now bid you farewell
and go on my journey"
Farewell. sir" said Betsy. courtesy
Ing. Put when"-for now the Ques
ton would come-"when do l see Cen
eral Washington?'
She raised her eager eyes to meet
those of the stranger who had given
her tie promise. With kind smile he
answered simply, 81 am General
Washington"
Like other wonderful things, 1t had
ell come about very naturally. The
general was fatigued by his journey
and. knowing that he would have lit
tie opportunity Of rest during the day.
left his party for awhile and. with one
attendant. rode on horseback to the
Brandon house for some refreshment
before going on to Salisbury. six mile:
farther. And 80 II came to pass that
the little girl in the North Carolina
farmhouse not only saw the great man
but entertained him at breakfast.-St
Nicholas.