Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-12-05
WRITTEN FoR TIE DEIAwARE GAZETTE
CAPTAIN HOLMES TEST.
BY NORAINA.

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be obliged TO pen the words which will sever
the tie that so long has bound our hearts to-
gether. had hoped, when the war sfonld be
over, and traitors forever sienced, to claim
you as my own; and that bright hope has
cheered me through the long and weary march,
es. and midst the thunders of the battle field
For your sake I have bravely borne all the
hardships of soldiers life, and for your sake
have endeavored to win honor and fame
Did love you less. might hold you TO that
promise made in brighter and happier days
But, ZeIlah, one of the arms which would have
shielded you so fondly from the ferce blasts of
sorrow or adversely, is gone, and you would
shudder TO think of sharing the destiny of such
wreck as 1 now am. AS soon as I am strong
enough I shall come home, which hope may
be soon. Then can see you and say, Fare
well might have waited, and told you all
This, when we met; but 1 could not bear that,
so have written. The struggle between love
and duty, has been severe, but duty has con-
quered aud am calmer now. l shall always
love you, yet l shall be happier to see you
free, than would be should you fulfill your
promise and become my wife, fer know you
would be unhappy thus. Now, goodbye,
dear Zellah, till we meet.
Ever thine,
EDWARD HOLMES.
ZelIah McReynolds read the letter sittirg
there on the low window seat, in the summer
twilight, with the curtains falling so closely
around her as to almost conceal her from the
view of the other inmates of the pleasant par
lor. Her lips were painfully compressed, and
her dark eyes seemed burning, as she sat so
still and white, her hands clasped so tightly
over the letter that the nails sank deeply into
the soft palms. No tears dimmed the glitter
ing eyes, but silent and immovabIe, like some
beautiful marble statue, she sat there till a
sweet low voice called her name. She started
as if from a dream, and thrusting the open let
Ter into her bosom. stole from her seat at the
window. TO the side of lady, to whom she
bore so striking a resemblance, that the rela.
tionship of mother and daughter was easily
traced between them.
''Did you speak to me?" she said. sinking
upon low ottoman at her mothers feet.
"Why, what ais yon, Zellah You look so
srangely;" and Mrs. McReynods leaned for
ward, gazing with questioning eyes into her
daughters face.
A ghost of smile fitted about the girls
mouth, as she replied Nothing, mother. There
is nothing the matter with me, only it is chill
Is here, and so dark too
just then lamps were brought in, and Eel
lah starting up, left her mother, and sitting
down at the piano struck few chords, then
commenced singing low, sweet, wild song.
From the shadows of the room, tall, hand
some Young man rose from a sofa where lie had
been half lyingj and coming TO her side, joined
his deep rich voice with her sweet tones. We
nv soon Mrs. McRcynolds rose and left the
room, unpcrceived by Z4llah, as she played
piece after piece, unmindful Of the surpriztd
and admiring gaze of the gentleman beside
her. Pausiug at last, she was dreamily turn
ing the leaves o. the music book, when the
Young man leaned forward and laying his hand
ON hers, clasped the little fingers warmly.
"Zel!ah, What has happened? You are not
yourself tonight"
She turned half around and looked up into
his face, at the same time drawing her hand
from his grasp. She did not answer, but Vir-
gle Wainsworth bent his head till his bright
waving hair touched her dark trcsses.
"Oh let me tell you, HeIIah, how much
love you," he murmured passionately. DO
not stop me now, rs you have so often done,
when approached this subject. One little
word must make me supremely happy, or seal
nv doom of misery. 1t is in your power to
mould rny future. Say that you return my
love, and will be mine, and will always bless
you"
Her eyes drooped beneath his gaze, and a
delicate flush overspread her pale brow; her
lips trembed as slowly rising she half whisper
ed but one word, "Sa ait"
"Then may hope;7 he exclaimed.
She made no answer, but glided from the
room. A few minutes later, and she lay on
the couch in her own room, writhing in agony,
with her hands pressed hard over her heart, as
if 10 still its tumultuous throbbings; yet not a
tear glistened on the long lashes that vailed
her burning eyes
In the parlor below sat Virge, with his An
gers buried in his hair, and half smile play
ing about his mouth, as he gazed with half shut
eyes away into vacancy.
Mrs. McReynolds entered the room. He
looked up quickly, and rising, offered her a
seat; then placed himself beside her.
"Wen, Virgle, what success ?" she asked.
al do not know" he replied, and then told
Zellah's strange answer.
alt is uncertain how she will decide" she
said Il know that she respects you highly,
and values your friendship very much. But
whether she has any warmer feeling towards
you, l can not say. Last Summer she seemed
to fapcy a young officer in The army, ard she
occasionally receives letters from him; but
never deemed it a serious matter, and have
thought it not worth my while TO interfere; l
think she should choose for herself in this one
thing"
Something troubles her tonight, she acts
strangely" he returned.
''She is not quite we'll think. 1 noticed it
tonight But, VirgIe, she will perhaps give
you an answer Tomorrow
"Will you speak word in my favor?" he
asked, pleadingly, as they parted for the night
"Yes, Virgle, for your mothers sake III do
all can for you"
Poor Zellah! 1t was hard struggle
Hard to give up her cherished love dream. for
she had loved Edward Holmes with all the
warmth of a first attachment, and she had beeh
looking forward to the time when he would
come back to her, loaded with glory. She
knew he was as noble and good as ever, and
that his love for her was sincere. Yet it was
hardly pleasant TO think OF going through life
with crippled husband, and she shuddered at
the thought Of the armless coat sleeve. She
felt that it was selfish in ker to accept the
manly offer of freedom. Her mother gently
urged her TO look favorably upon Virgle
Wainsworth, and the young man himself elo-
quently pleaded his cause. Thus pressed on
every side, ZelIah knew not what to do. Vir-
gle was young, handsome and wealthy, gener-
nns nrd rrnrr, hnnrtnd She felt that had she