The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-12-05
Volume rs.

Miss Darricott was happy sitting there by
his side, both Of them silent, with the bright
dresses and fair faces circling mazily in front
Of them, and the dance music so merry thai
II was sad with its own madness Of mirtf
sounding in their ears. They looked on fol
IL while. without speaking-then Miss Darri
colt said, musingly:
a great many pretty faces, aren't thcre'
Il suppose so. was just wondering why
none OF them looked particularly pretty tc
me. wonder is il always so, Ethel-tha'
when man truly loves one he sees some de
feet in all Others because they are not just
like her!
lie had never called her Ethel before. II
ouickcned her heart-beats little, and she
did not answer him because she did not know
what to say. lie did not notice, at least he
went on speaking slowly, half Involuntary
as il were, words which icould be said.
'Idon't know why | tell you now, Ethel
| surely did not mean to when l made you
sit down here; but I love you. want you
to be mine, my wife, by my side iOrever-tC
fill up great void there is in my life. Wha,
does your heart say?' Can you comer
Miss Darricot, did not speak for little
while. She was asking herself his question
over again-it was not whether she loved
him, but whether she could share his destiny,
be his wife. She grew pale little before
she answered, but her reply, when it came,
was firmly spoken
Nor
Howard Revere turned and looked at her a
moment-looked into her eyes and at her
face, whose language was firm us her tone
had been. He did not expOstulate with her
or entroat her. 1t would not have been like
him. lie only bowed.
win you dancer he said, rising mo-
ment alter. as new set was forming. She
put cold hand into his, and went again
among the dancers.
Miss Darricott had cousin-a year older
little less beautiful, but with keen insight
into men and things. She was an orphan
living with the family Of her Uncle Darri'
colt almost as daughter. That night the
two fingered over the FIRE in the little dress
ing-room between their two rooms, and talked
together as girls do after balls. Only Ethel
was more silent than usual, and her cousin
Grace watched her anxiously but furtiyely.
Have you not Lost somethingT Graco in
quircd at length. with covert meaning in
her tone.
No, l believe not,' glancing at rings and
bracelets.
Lost was not a good word, perhaps.
mean have you not thrown away something
tonight which you will want, and seek FOL
vainly US the years go On?'
Ethel's eye fell beneath the keen yet kind
ly glance which searched her face. Hel
answer was question scarcely to the point
How do you know every thing, Grace?-
How did you guess thisr
Il saw II all in pautomime. Words could
not have been so expressive as your face anC
his. l was sorry, for believe you love
him.
Il fear do. But he did not ask me that
he only asked IL | could be his wife,
And you told him no? Lam sorry, for
do not think he will ever ask again. II yor
love him why not marry him"
Because l feared might stop loving hin
some day. To live the listless. aimless lif'
we wornen do is bad enough. Itoiiends botl
my taste and my principles to see mar
idling away life in this world, where so man.
harvest fields are waiting
Grace looked q. her cousin with changct
expression.
Il thought understood you, Ethel, ant
vet should never have given you credit fol
such a reason. What you say is certainl,
right and true in the main, only do not
think it applies to Ms. Revere. There is
difference between an idle, aiuless life, anC
one Of waiting till ones right work comes
what makes you reckon Mr.. Rever
among the waitersr
Because ii is not in his nature to like idle
ness or inaction. can see that he is restiv,
under il. But he is not fond Of vain labor
Of wasting strength. Did you never leari
that those who wait serve also? Hcwar'
Reyerc's time will come, and his life will b
one no, to shame any woman that loved him
But it's useless talking now. Ii would no
be like him ever 10 say over again what b
said tonight
Ethel Darricott tried to be light.hearteC
when che was alone; but IL was miserable
failure, and she gave up at last to the tear
,ha, would come. Her cousins words dis
ouieted her strangely.
So il went on till the surrender OF Sumter
and the call which summoned the loyal Nortl
70 arms. Among the first to volunteer hi
service was the man she had thought so ion'
Of ease and self, 50 fearful Of fatigues, s.
larrard in the race of life. His name wa
enrolled as a private at first, but his compa
ny chose him unanimously for captain, an'
50 Captain Revere led thom on to the deiens'
Of Washington.