The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-05-23

WOIhB Gh Tie AhWHJ NA0 a3hA@1S AAAAAAS
diately magnificent bouquet Of rock
cts shot up into the black sky, illumi-
mating everything with a glare Of fire.
This was followed by the lighting up
of the triumphal arch, and the burst
ing of balloons high overhead. Attract
ed by the spectacle, was staring out
at the dazzling scene, when voice
spoke at my shoulder.
"'Tis relief to see even one sol
der present ready for duty"
turned to look into pair Of steady
blue eyes, with a bit Of mocking laugh
er In their depths, the face revealed
learly in the glare of the rockets.
Necessity only" / managed to re-
ply. Il can be as gorgeous as these
others, had / brought bag with me- "
mo doubt; every British regiment
tries to Guido the others In ribbons
and gold lace. Really they become
tiresome with such foppery in war
times. See how they play tonight,
like children, the city practically un-
guarded from attack" she waved an
ungloved hand toward the dark with
out. Il venture there are men out
yonder, sir, who are not dancing and
laughing away these hours"
My cheeks burned.
"You mean Washington's troops?"
aye! / saw them here in Philadel-
phia before Sir William came" her
voice lowered, yet earnest. "and they
are not playing at war; grim, silent.
soberfaced men, dressed in odds and
ends, not pretty to look at; some tat
tered and hungry, but they fight hard.
Mr.. Conway was telling us yesterday
of how they suffered all winter long,
while we danced and Toasted here,
Washington himself sleeping with the
snow drifting over him. You do not
know the Americans, for you are not
long across the water, but they are
not the kind to be conquered by such
child's play as this"
You are an American, then?"
by birth, yes" unhesitatingly. I'VE
are of those loyal to the king, butt
admire men"
1t was with an effort / restrained
my words, eager to proclaim my serv-
ice, yet comprehending instantly that
/ dare not even trust this plain-spoken
girl with the truth. She respected the
men, sympathized with the sacrifices
of Washingtons little army, contract
ed all they endured with the protligacy
Of the English and Hessian troops. and
yet remained loyal to the kings cause.
Even as hesitated she spoke again.
''What is your regiment?"
1.-THE Forty-second Foot"
"You have not yet been in action
In American"
mo, but have just crossed the Jer-
seys with dispatches"
She shook her head. her cheeks
glowing
''My home was there when the war
began" she explained simply. Nov
It is hate, pillage and plumber every.
where. We fed to Philadelphia for
our lives, and have almost forgotten
we ever had home. We loyalists are
paying price almost equal to those
men with Washington. IT'S this mem.
DRY which makes me so bitter toward
those who play amid the ruins
"Yet you have seemed to enter into
the gay spirit OF the OCCASION" and
my eyes swept over her costume.
ooh. ] am girl enough to enjoy the
glitter. even while the woman in me
condemns 1t all. You are soldier
a fighting soldier hope-and still
you are here also seeking pleasure"
"True; / yielded to temptation, but
for which should never have come.
"What?"
'The dare In your eyes this after.
noon," said boldly. "But for what
read there / should be out yondeE
riding through the night"
She laughed. yet not wholly at ease,
the long lsshes dropping over her
eyes.
Always the woman; what would
you do without my sex to bear your
mistakesg'
''But was this mistake? DID I read
altogether wrong9"
Don't expect a confession from me,
sir" demurely. Il have no memory
Of any promise"
mo, the barest suggestion was ali
your lips gave; it was the eyes that
challenged"
you must have dreamed; perhaps
you recall the SUGGESTION"
Il took it to mean that you woulC
not be altogether averse to meeting
me again through the kindness o.
some mutual friend"
NO doubt you have found such I
friend?"
Il have scarcely seen a face know
tonight" / pleaded. Il cannot ever
guess from what place OF mystery YOU
appeared SO suddenly. So now
throw myself upon your mercy"
Il wonder is it quite safel" hesi
tatingly. but. perhaps .hs risk I.