IT MUST HAVE BEEN A VERY PRETTY SPEECH
The new color guard halted a few feet in front of Helen, and then Robert stepped forward.
The air was very still save for the robins chirping to their young. An absolute hush fell over the many thousand spectators. It was evident that the young lady was presenting the flag, and was making a speech to the captain of the winning company. But so far away she was, and so softly she spoke, that none heard her words; that is, none save Robert Drake and the new color guard. But people said it must have been a very pretty speech. After apparently saying a few words, Helen seemed suddenly to pick up the colors and fairly throw them into the hands of Cadet Lieutenant Drake.
"Wasn't that pretty?" was an exclamation made by many of the onlookers.
"You have done very well, Mr. Drake," faltered Helen; "your company has done splendidly. Oh—I had a good speech made up, but I've forgotten all about it! Father wants you to come to dinner to-night—he has a surprise for you—oh, dear, what am I talking about? Won't this do? Haven't I said enough?—Oh, take the flag!" and Helen threw it at Robert.
The next day the papers said that Miss Helen Blunt had made an eloquent little speech of well chosen words when presenting the colors to Cadet Lieutenant Drake, but of that one may judge for himself.
"Thank you," said Robert, simply and gravely, taking the colors and handing them to his color sergeant; "the first company is honored."
And then Stonewell, in clear ringing tones shouted:
"Three cheers for the girl who has presented the colors."