The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-10-30

cousin almost reyerently. He was just
beginning to see below the happy care
less surface of her nature. But he
made no comment upon her resolve.
"Wait here,' he said, simply, 81 will
bring you your soldier" @" '
In half an hour he returned. He
brought with him man, tall, athletic,
strong, with face brave and master.
full rather than handsome. ''''l
"Miss Barclay, this is Mr. Keene-
Richard Keene." = 'afj ,''fk 't'''
So much of introduction performed,
Major Ross went out left Kate to make
her bargain. '"
Mr.. Keene was thoroughly we'll bred.
In the peculiar circumstances in which
he was placed-sorely trying they
would have been to most men-he was
able'to steer clear of any false pride or
embarrassment. ''''- '''l
'Miss Barclay" he said, bowing.
81 am told that by way of doing yonr
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 a security that my sisters
education shall be carried on, as have
commenced it, until she is able to sup
port herself by teaching"
81 am ready to provide for all her
expenses, and to charge myself with
the care of the future, should there be
need of my protection" BAD a'f
$50 much as that, is not necessary.
While ] liveI could not allow you to
undertake all her expenses. So far as
my pay as soldier can 60 it must be
applied to her support. For the rest
| accept yonr offer in the spirit in which
it is made. / will remember you when
| fight and, Heaven helping me, you
shall not be ashamed of your substi-
tute." s~
Kate's eyes grew misty He was so
calm in his resolve to dare danger and
death-seemea to consider himself SO
little. She Ionged to beg him, as a
sister might have done, not to be too
rash-not to court unnecessary peril,
but something restrained her. She
only asked,
'When will you take me to see your
sister? 1t is better | should be intro
duced to her by you. She will feel
more that she belongs to me when
you have confided her to my protec-
ton"
"You are right. l will take you
now if you please. | wish to march
with the Twenty-eighth tomorrow, and
there is no time to lose. Poor Emily,
it will be hard on her." 'i ~
| In FIVE minutes more Miss Barclay
was walking towards Gramercy Pail
with her soldier by her side. She stole
a 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 the back room. He 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 tones, then afew words
in voice full of tears, then again the
low, manly tones. and then, after a
while, Mr.. Keene led his sister in.
"Miss Barclay" he said, "here is
your protege. She quite understands
your position as regards her, and |
hope she will exact little, and not make
you much troube."' ~
Kate's warm heart overf1owed in
stantly. She put her arm rhnnd the
shy, trembling gi,l, and drew her to
her side. She whispered hliet
81 have no mother, dear, and no sis
ter. / shall need yon as much as you
will need me. Let us love one anoth-
err" ~ Hxar
Mr.. Kpene did not hear the whisper,
bnt he saw the quick blush of pleasure
flush his sisters cheek, and the confii-
ing gesture with which her hand stole
into her new friends. and he was salts
fed. 9t .ar -eFse>FsiG ASA
eve need not detain Miss Barclay
any longer" he said, gently. 81 will
walk home with her now. This after
noon shall be busy, but | will come
to Won again this evening"
There were few words spoken dur
ing the short walk, bu. when they were
parting on Miss Barclays door.step
she gave her hand TO Richard Keene,
and said, earnestly, d. eaH
"Do not doubt that all / can do for
your sister will. be a labor of love.
There has been a vacant place in my
heart, a lonely longing for some one to
care for, and she will fill it. If"-her