The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-03

laid against it. ' .
DO you 500 him, Lottie? Ny eyes have
grown dim Of late, and tho figures all run to
gcthcr.'
The lady said these words as she graspcd
the hand Of her daughter, for tho two were
standing on the sters ofa large building,
amidst crowd who were shouting welcomes,
and tossing their handkerchieis to the re-
turned volunteers. She was pale, gcntle-
faced old lady, and there was something very
touching in the way her eyes strained after
each band Of men, and at last turned hope
lessly away.
NO I don't sec him MOTHER The girls
heart was in her face, kindling the glow in
her cheeks, and the light IN her eyes, as she
stood leaning breathlcssly forward, search.
ing every face and figure for the well-known
one.
Suddenly she started. Yes, there ho IS,
mother, and he is lifting his hat, and smiling
on us now. Oh, mother, it's Walter -
And she didn't think Of the crowd as she
waved her handkerchief, and tossed him o
shower of kisses.
is 1t my boy-is 1t my boyP' cried the
mother, and then she, too. caught glimpse
of the smiling face and tall figure Of the young
lieutenant ; and forgetful that there was an
eye to behold her amid the thousand gazers
on, she Spang forward, threw her arms
around the young officers neck, and kissed
his bronzed cheek, just Us she had done when
ho was baby.
And when she turned back there were
many eyes IN the crowd, besides the mothers,
which were dim with tears.
The evening had folded its silver.gray veil
over the city, and the mother aud daughter
sat together in their pleasant home, and their
hearts were full of joy and gratitude as they
watched the stars open their golden lights
along the blue valleys.oi the sky.
Il think he'll try to come up tonight,
daughter, don t you?' Said Mrs. Lawrence
as she glanced at tho table which had been
spread with every delicacy which the mothers
love fancicd most likely to stimulate the
soldiers appetite.
II hope 80, mamma but you know II may
be hard for Walter to get away from the
men before morning; We shall SEQ him then
Did he look changed, Lottic? I'm afraid
he's gone through great deal Of hardships,
my tcnderly nurtured boy
We'll, ho looked sun-browned and weather.
beaten, but the old smile was in his eyes,
1T won't 90 out OF them until the light
does. Your father gave them that smile,
Lottic.'
'IIurrah Hurrah any body here got a
welcome for tired, hungry soldier .r
They knew the voice, and the next moment
the young officer burst into tho room, and
caught his mother about the waist. and what
tears, andblessinss, and huggings followed
dear reader you know better than my pen
can tell you. ..',
Dear mo, Walter, you look as though
you'd been through everything, said the
mother, as soon as she could SEQ the young
officers face through her glad tears.
We'll. we've had some pretty rough tnmb.
ling, that's fact; but it's to be expected in
war, you know. A fellow that comes out Of
II with his neck safe. and his bones whole,
has reason to thank God, L can tell you.'
A quick shudder went over the old lady
and the young one at these words. The
officer saw it and turnSd lightly towards the
table. -
We'll, my eyes haven't seen table like
that for the last three months. It's enough
to make soldiers eyes dance for joy
Now turn right to, my boy, said the hap
py mother as she hustled about the table, Il
just got up what thought you'd like best.
cold tongue, and gooscbcrry jam. and apple
pie. Don't you remember when you was
boy how fond you used to DO ofapple pieT
Don't though and I'm ready to afford
you ocular demonstration that haven't for
gotten my old likinss, i'll have been to the
war. Come, Lottie, s,t right down in your
old place herc,' pulling out the chair on his
left. How pleasant and natural 1t oil
seems g..f-.ry .frer.rr' r.1 .1 "
u know Il Walter; bless your precious
heart and slipping into tho chair, Lottie
went through second chapter Of husgins
and kissing, and then she insisted that she
must sweeten her brotherscup Of coffee, as
he always insisted nobody understood just
how much Of the saccharine element 1t 10
ouired, 50 well as his sister. And tho moth
or looked on with her pleased smile. and the
soldier bent over his well beaped plate, and
the young girl toasted her eyes on the sun
Drowned face, and listened to tho stories,
stranger than any romance, which the young
officer had to tell. and through the sky, over
head, flowed the golden stream Of stars
and the hours went down softly into midnight,
and q new day was worn to the year, beiors
the mother and children left the blc,whcrc
he who had come back once more, sat, tho
;ov of their hearts. and the lieht of their