Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1858-03-25
THE OLD SOLDIERS DARLING.
MARY W. STANLEY GIBSON.
CHAPTER Z,

ChAPTEH
l hadwaited long beside the little farm
yard gaze for the evening stage from
which vas to carry me to Woodville.-
The sac silence Of the summer evening
weighed heavily upon my spirits. l was
not happy when left my little chamber,
and as ! set upon the broad stone steps,
watching the lights of sunset dying in the
wester, sky, and listening dreamily to the
subduel lowing Of the cows that came slow
ly down the billy pasture TO be milked, my
face grew sober, and my eyes were almost
ready % overflow. F- sr.
Before l disgraced myself in my own
eyes By any such show of weakness. /
heard he stage wheels rattllng down over
the maintain road, and hurried down 10 the
end ofthe little green lane TO be in readi-
ness fer it.
Thee was only one occupied beside my
self-,n old gentleman whose soft blue
eyes and good natured smile, won my heart
at one. He was, apparently, between
fifty nd sixty years Of age, with gallant
air. ard erect, soldier like bearing, that was
ully explained when saw the small gilt
bsndsupon the undress uniform he wore.
His slvery hair hung in short curls around
his f.rehead and neck, a well trimmed
beardand musiache of The same hue added
TO The look of manly self-relianee in his
face.
"Those who love you, and whom you
love, must be very happy" thought to
mysdf, as met the frank, unclcuded gaze
OF tbse honest eyes, and accepted the as
sistalce he afforded in rendering my seat
more ecomfortable.
Sone writer has said, emo woman can
withstand the seige Of handsome uniform. y
pltad guilty to this amiable weakness o.
my ,ex, and confess that prefer epaulette'
and eagle buttons TO all civilian establish
! mets while commanding figure and free
military step carry my eyes entirely away
iron the STOPPING forms and shambling
walk Of tho business men Of our large ci-
ties
So, when the gallant officer, wishing It
relieve the monotomy and embarrassment o
our forced journey, talked to me with ih'
kinily freedom he might towards a yount
child, did not put on airs Of womanhood
butres ponded as freely, and listened will
unkined delight when he recounted SOM
of he stirring scenes in which he had beer
engaged.
TO hear Of the gallant May, whose sol
dir like figure had won my childish heart
from the lips of one who had fought by hi
sih-,o hear Of Scott and Taylor ant
Wrlh and Wood-to listen TO tales Of Pal
Alo and Resceca de la Palma-of the sieg
Of Monterey and the battle Of Buena Vista
was indeed treat; and was unfeignedl,
sorry when the stage dashed up at tn
Wodvile Postoflice, and our plessan. rid
WIS at an end. ..........
My new friend looked out Of the window
ard then took his cloak upon his arm.
"Almost home" he said, with a cheer
fd smile that would have made that HON
INST bright and cheerful.
And you young lady, may ask if yo
sbp in town.! .....
"Only for the night" answered. an
s,ason here has expired, | have said good
bye 10 the little farm house where | hav
hen boarding, and tomorrow sees me o
ny way to New York"
"Ah?' He looked thoughtful for me
: nent. Was the same thought stirring i
, lis breast that we two should have met be
fire.
81 am very sorry," he said, after ths
hort pause that am not TO have the pleas
ire Of you again. We garru'ous old me
Ike a good listener, you know he adde
with kind smile.
"Then you reside here now?" l asked.
"Only for a little time. am on iurloug
now, and am going to meet my wife, who
pending the summer with some OF her re
ations here"
.Shall confess it? felt for mouer
wrohged and delraudeo when he spoke 'h'
name. felt for a moment as il that unsee
wife has robbed me Of something whic
should have belonged TO me. For the frs
lime had met some one with blended al
lection, respect and ideal worship; and ,ha
woman had stepped in between me and hir
forever. / heaved sigh as thought of il
and then smiled sarcastically at my folly.
We were silent for time, and then h
took card from silver case and gave it I
me. read the name: 'is
: "Ma;or Leslie Underhill, United State