hen, all at once, the chairs on the piazza huddled back in a
great hurry, to make a lane for a beautiful little figure, which came
tripping from the open door.

It was Jessie; but a great change had been made in her appearance. Over
her snowy muslin skirts she had a short classic tunic of red, white, and
blue silk; a wreath of red and white roses and bright blue jonquils
encircled her curls, and in her hand she carried a superb banner. It
was made of dark blue silk, trimmed with gold fringe; on one side was
painted an American eagle, and on the other the words "Dashahed
Zouaves," surrounded with a blaze of glory and gold stars. She advanced
to the edge of the piazza, and in a clear, sweet voice, a little
tremulous, but very distinct, she said:

"COLONEL AND BRAVE SOLDIERS:

"I congratulate you, in the name of our friends,
on the success you have achieved. You have shown
us to-day what Young America can do; and as a
testimonial of our high admiration, I present you
the colors of your regiment!

"Take them, as the assurance that our hearts are
with you; bear them as the symbol of the Cause you
have enlisted under; and should you fall beneath
them on the field of battle, I bid you lay down
your lives cheerfully for the flag of your
country, and breathe with your last sigh the name
of the Union! Colonel, take your colors!"

Freddy's cheeks grew crimson, and the great tears swelled to his eyes as
he advanced to take the flag which Jessie held toward him. And now our
little Colonel came out bright, sure enough. Perhaps not another member
of the regiment, called upon to make a speech in this way, could have
thought of a word to reply; but Freddy's quick wit supplied him with
the right ideas; and it was with a proud, happy face, and clear voice
that he responded:

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

"I thank you, in the name of my regiment, for the
honor you have done us. Inspired by your praises,
proud to belong to the army of the Republic, we
hope to go on as we have begun. To your kindness
we owe the distinguishing colors under which we
march hereafter; and by the Union for which we
fight, they shall never float over a retreating
battalion!"

Oh! the cheers and clapping of hands which followed this little spe