The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-11-14

, some.
Miss Barclay, this is Mr.. Kcene-Rich-
ard Keen
So much Of introduction being performed,
Major Ross went out and left Kate to make
her bargain.
Mr.. Keeno was thoroughly well bred. In
the peculiar circumstances in which he was
piaced-solcly trying they would have been
TO most men-he was able to steer clear Of
any false pride or embarrassment. Miss
Barclay he said, bowling, Il am told that
by way of doing your part toward the war
you wish to hire me as substitute, to fight
your battles for you. My terms are easily
stated. All ask is q security that my sis.
ter's education shall be carried on, as ! have
commenced it, until she is able to support
herself by teaching
Il am ready to provide for all her expenses,
and to charge myself with tho care of her
future, should there be need Of my protec-
tiOn.'
so much as that is not necessary. While
live | could not allow you to undertake all
her expenses. So far as my pay as soldier
can 60 it must be applied for her support
For the rest, accept your offer in the spirit
in which it is made. ] Twill remember you
when | fight, and, Heaven helping me, you
shall not bo ashamed of your substitute
Katc's eyes grew misty. He was 50 calm
in his resolve to dare danger and death
seemed to consider himself so little. She
longcd to beg him, as sister might have
done, not to DO too rash-not to court un.
necessary peril, but something restrained
her. She only asked.
when will you take me to see your sister?
It is better should be introduced to her by
YOU. She will feel more that she belongs to
me when you have confded her to my pro-
tection.'
you are right. Twill take you now, il
you please. Iwish to march with the 2Sth
tomorrow, and there is no time to losc.-
Poor Emily, it will be hard on her.
In five minutes more Miss Barclay was
walking toward Gramercy Park, with her
soldier by her side. She stole look now
and then at his face. 1t was calm and firm
no marks there OF weakness or irresolution.
She began to be proud Of him. Soon they
sat in Miss Dupont's front parlor waiting
for Emily. As she came through the door
her brother met her and drew her with him
into tho back room. lie had said to Miss
Barclay that it was better he should speak
to her first quite alone.
Waiting there, Kate heard the sound OF
earnest, manly talk, then few words in II
voice full Of tears, then again the low, man.
ly tones; and then Mr.. Kecnc led his sister
in.
Miss Barclay he said, 'here is your pro-
tegc. She quite understands your position
us regards her, and | hope she will exact lit
tie. aud not make you much trouble
Kate's warm heart oyerAowed instantly.
She put her arm round the shy, trembling
girl, and drew her to her side. She whis.
pered,
Il have no mother, dear, and no sister. |
shall need you as much as you will me. Let
US love one another
Mr.. Keene did not hear the whisper, but
he saw the quick flush Of pleasure flush his
sisters cheek, and the conGding gesture with
which her hand stole into her new friends,
and he was satisfied.
I'VE need not detain Miss Barclay any
longer he said, gently. twill walk home
with her, now. This afternoon shall be
busy, but will come to you again this even-
ing
There were few words spoken during the
short walk but when they were parting on
Miss Barclays door step she gave her hand
to Richard Keene, and said earnestly.
DO not doubt that all | can do for your
sister will DO labor of love. There has
been a vacant place in my heart, a lonely
longing for somo one to care for, and she will
GIL it. If'-her eyes filed with tears-'if
any thing should happen, she shall be as
near to me as she would have been to you.'
Richard Keene pressed the hand he held.
Il believe you,' he said. Emily is good
child. You will not find in her coldness or
ingratitude.'
That evening Kato Barclay sat alone, liv.
ing over in thought the parting which she
knew was taking place, fancyins how these
two. who were all the world to each other,
would say goOd.by-a good.by which might,
all too possibly, be forever. She almost 70.
peuted of her own doing-not quite-ior she
knew her soldiers heart was in his work,
and she felt that if he had been her own
brother she could have sent him forth as
cheerfully. She was not dealing to another
such measure as she would not have borne to
have dealt to herself.
1t was a little past nine O'Clock when the
bell rang. aud the servant announced Mr..
Kcene. She had not expected after their
bargain to SEQ him again, she was glad after
all that he should have reckoned her among
the number of these to whom it became him
to say farewell. He came in rs calm and
self.possessed as ever.
Al bova haen bidding Emily cood.bv be