The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-03-11
RECAPTURED.

awning of low branched linden trees
Glove pinks bossoming in the garden
borders, like chalices of spiee-and stars
just trembling into the warm violet sky
If Clinton Audley had lived to be a
hundred years old, he never would have
forgotten the dim, indistinct beauty OF
the dusky landscape. No; for all that
happened on that summer night was brand
ed upon his heart in lines that death It.
self had no power to effaee
"Not vet, Clara do not speak so firm
ly Remember that it is my life's doom
you are pronouuciug. Oh, Clara think
again"
II. had led his men up to the very
cannon mouth without thought of fear,
vel now he was coward in the presence
of that tender blue,eyed girl
at is useless" said Clara Mervyn,
with cheek whose color never varied, and
firm, plying eyes "my answer would be
the same did | take whole year for de-
liberation. | am very sorry Clinton ;
but"
"Nay," interposed Audley, with cold,
constrained voice that scarce hid the an
cry emotions in his heart, "do not waste
your pity on me. The matter is unfortu-
nate as far as [ am concerned; but | can
not see why you should grieve. [ have
been a mad fool, that is all -
He lifted his light military cap and was
gone aud Clara Mervyn sat down on the
rustic garden seat and had good cry
Surely it was not her fault that Clinton
Audley was SO foolish-he might have
knuwD that she didn't care for him.
While tne young officer, restlessly pac-
Ing 10 and tIe thought of the dark-eyed
soldier whose mead he had supported at
Manassas willie The life bubbled from bis
breast i'll red surging drops-thougbt OF
his last words, ut isn't for myself; but
Mary's heart will break when she hears
of it !''-oh why could he not have died
In that boy x stead! There was no heart
TO break for hlm!
The idle dream is ended p he said,
aloud land now for the realities of life.
w sIdl ueNeT meet aSdlu.
Could he but have looked forward to
tuetime when they two should meet again.
"Ouly my right hand, doctor? Pooh
au>er MUD; there's many poor fellow
w"rae uff than | am ~
IA very philosophical view to take Of
matters, said the surgeon, half smiling,
"but at the same time an unusual one
iio d sill half a minute, can't you"
"Wel,, wDat does it matter after all i?
I've neither wife nor sweet heart to fret
about my dlshgurements."
but L suppose you expect to come
into possession OF one or both OF those ar
,lcles some day r
"Cau't say that do. There, L 10 com.
tortable enough now. l sly, though,
doctor :"
Nv Well?"
Could you persuade that fat old nurse
to get Il pair OF Shoeo that squeak in q
minor key? Every sick man has his
trials, and mine are those ealf-skin shoes
Possibly I'm nervous, but | can't help
itI'
The surgeon laughed good-humoredly
Don't annoy yourself oa that score /;
there will be a change of nurses tonight,
and | do not think the shoe question will
trouble you further, Try to sleep a while
now -
Clinton Audley closed his eyes, and
strove to forget the sharp spasms of pain
tha; racked his poor wounded frame,
while the fire shons ruddily on the walls,
family iIlumining the long rows of narrow
white beds on either side, and the gray
dusk blackened into night, and
Il must have been aseep?' he thought.
with "a sudden start, as the little clock
cbimed eleven. Yes, must but who
on earth is that? Oh, the new nurse, [
suppose. She don't wear calf-skin shoes,
at all events moves like a shadow r'
For like shadow she had gllded to
his bedside.
81 think your draught was to be taken
at eleven, Sir p and she glanced at her
written directions.
And as Clinton Audley silently exten-
ded his left hand for the slender vial, he
knew that the "new nurse" was Clara
Mervyn. She recognized him at the
same instant-there was q slight start,
but neither spoke.
Fa,e had brought them together snce
again
The January SHOWS melted away Fl ON
the purple Maryland hills, and Februa-
rvs blue heaven smiled overhead. Spring
was nigh at hand, yet the lost roses had
not biossomed again on Clara Mervyn's
cheek
"Don't overwork yourself, Miss Msr-
vyn," SAID the kindly surgeon 'there's
no earthly occasion for 1t. They are all
doiDO well eYcant that vounp Audlay 20