Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1861-12-27
MISCELLANY Y.
For the Below. falls Times.
The Maiden's Sacrifice.

know if you have seen my old friend, Wal
ter Martin, of late! You know he was in
c. when l went away, and we cor
responded for some time, for he is one Of
my best friends, in spite of the great differ
ence between US but for the last few
months have been so pressed with busi-
ness that have neglected TO write 10 him.
Don't you suppose he has come home be-
fore this time Z"
And George Elmer paused to bear his
sisters answer; then turning suddenly tow
ards her, he exclaimed -
"Why, sister, what is the trouble ! Your
cheeks are crimson with bushes"
~There is no real trouble, as yet, George"
said Nellie. "and yet | have long answer
to give you"
20, understand now" said the mirih-
loving brother, "our little fairy, Nellie, has
fallen in love with that sober, ministerial
young man during my absence, and now
she is at a loss how TO tell me about it p
sand would you not much rather | would
fall in love with this sober, ministerial young
man, than with such wild, careless fellow
as a certain brother of mine Y asked Mel
lie, half laughingly, half in earnest.
..0h Nellie, Nellie p said George, in a
sober, thoughtful manner, "there is no other
man IN tla wide world 10 wrhorsA ssoold- so
soon give my sister, as Walter Martin
But where as heP must see him."
A tear sparkled in Nellie's eye, and her
voice trembled little as she drew her form
up proudly, and said -
.sIEe is in our country's service, George.
He went in July. in the --- regiment !
so at present we must content ourselves
with his letters. His absence causes me
many heart-pang, still ! am proud to think
that have lover who was willing to give
up all for our country"
"Did you consent TO have him 20, Nellie ?
@At first / could not and then | thought j
over, day aud night / thought Of his noble
ness, his goodness and bravery, and knew
our country needed just such men to fgh
her battles then, brother, though the big
heart-full tears would come, bade hin
60"
"And what if he should die, sister r
II do not think of that dare not thinl
of ii but / think of the time when The
stars and stripes shall again wave over ev
cry state in the Union, and Walter, crown
ed with glory and fame, shall return, to b
mine forever. | should have written Il
you of our engagement, but you know
dislike to write, and thought it would bt
so much more pleasant 70 sit by your side
and tell you all our bright anticipations.-
We were to be married on the eighth o
October, as it is my twentieth Birthday
Walter said we would try and persuade you
and Elsie to 20 with Us on our bridal jour
ney Then we were to settle down in hi.
beautiful country residence. ! had been Sc
happy, George, in laying our plans that i
seemed terrible to delay them for SO long a
time only think, brother-until he comes
home again. What a long, weary time II
will bel7
"You have made a great sacrifice, Nellie
and, TO one with your loving hears, il must
be peculiarly trying; bat | will comfort
YOU all can, and tomorrow | will 60 after
Elsie-perhaps she will come and stay a
few months with you. Nellie, do you not
sometimes regret that you consented to
Walters going z" said George, in tone so
sad that it seemed wholely unlike his usual
mirihfulness.
"lt is the greatest sacrifice Of my life,
but do not regret it. l had no right to
keep him here when duty called him away.
Just before Walter started, Le said -" /
may not live TO come back again, but re-
member He doeth all things well and
Nellie, dear, you must come and meet me
up above.
The young girl had noble heart, but the
thought that the loved one might not live,
overcame her, and she burst into passion
ate food of tears
Two months had passed since the above
conversation. Il was the eighth of Octo-