The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1841-03-04
passing dignity of his coun,enance, preclud.
ed any necessity for vain decorations.

passing dignity Of his countenance, preclud. |
ed any necessity for vain decorations.
MADAM, he observed, for the first time
breaking silence, saw 10 my ride to day
that the ruthless hand of war has left no
light impression, oO your portion of the
country
No, sir, the reckless and daring soldiery
Of Briialn-ihe minions of iyraut-have
destroyed and laid waste every thing before
them. | myself, have been loser; out of
several large plantations this small cottage
aud strip Of laud is all that remains
You have indeed been loser.
Yes. SIR yet still il God, at the end Of
this horrible war. but gives back to me safe
my son, | shah feel myself unable to express
sufficiently my gratitude for Ills goodness
and mercy; aud the good matron wiped the
tears from her eyes as she spoke.
lie is in the army, then, suppose ? be
inquired.
Yes, sir, be is engaged in the sacred
cause of freedom he is fighting for the
liberty OF his country, and to revenge the
death Of our Lucy's parents, who we're
cruelty murdered in cold blood soon after
the war commenced. lie has sworn to do
il, and know be will, for he has the spirit
Of bis father, who, had be lived 10 witness
these scenes Of oppression, would gladly
hays sold his life in defence Ct the nations
rights
Sue paused for moment, and then re.
sumed.
But perhaps sir, l have been impruient
10 this, under the excitement ofmy feelings,
speaking openly my mind to you a stranger,
yet will trust 10 your honor as gentle
man even though you may be Of the oppo
site party, for there are few gentlemen
!. even amengsi them to not harm widow.
Res, assured madam returned the
stranger, that you speak n the presence of
friend--one whose sentiments are in uni
son with your Own, and who ever has been,
and ever viii be, the firm opposcr of wrong
injustice
} Supper was now announced, and Mrs.
Fortescue, with Lucy Gral!an, sad down
to do the honors of the table 10 their straD.
ger guest.
Madao,' said he agaiu, beginning the
Conservation, and addressing the widow,
though be KEPT his eyes bent upon the lave.
~ being opposite to him, you have not
told me as yet, your son's name. /, may
30 thai | know hin, and can give you some
information respecting him. belong to
the army myself and leil i, cd my way to
Williamsburg bo, tgo weeks siace.
He keP, bis eyes ben, upon Lucy, and
as the mother ansSered, Charles Fortes-
cue be marked the anxious and luq1iriBg
look With which she regarded hm that
look revealed TO him the story Of her heart
What Captain Fariescus Z be exclaitn
ed-'he is indeed brave officer. saw
hin the night before | left the camp, and
be vas then WE'LL
EioS fortunate it was sou stopped here
and brought Us gord Of Charles T exclairn.
ed Lucy, aud she blushed deeply as she
concluded, for smile played across the
Strangers ace al the betrayal Of her feel.
ings.
Tho conversation continued until supper
was ended, when the gentleman desired to
DO shown 10 his room, excusing himself for
retiring go early Oh the plea Of yioIeut
headache.
Soon after the whole family retired to
rest, and as Lucy Grat,an entered her
roon. which vas mex, TO that of the sirau
gers, aud threw herself upon her couch,
she thought she heard voice as if proceed
, ing from bis room. She listened il was
, BIS. lie was deeply engaged 10 prayer
lie coEtiDued for some lime, and then CEASED
As Lucy lay awake upon her pillow, her
mind reverted 10 lbe evosis Of The evening,
the arrival Of their guest, aud his &C.
qusintance with Charles. There was some.
} thing IN his frank and open manner that
pleased her and 10 bis mild and benevoen.
coun;enance that won upon her heari.-
And then too, he had spoken of Charles as
brave and gallant officer, aud that had
. endeared bin still more Such thoughts
! occupied her mind until she gradually sunk