The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-12-29
my spirit into another 2 she said

question was repeated Then the nam
Of Howard was spoken.
Howard I It was evident that
pang had gone through her heart. He
lids fell quickly. and her face buried it
self among the purple cushions.
when our country is in danger. Got
lays upon us the duty of Offering for it
defense even our most precious things.
The sick girl lifted her head again. l
the pale face could be paler, it was palel
/ now. ,a e. tsu5 . e
Howard is brave and patriotic she
said. .sFk E'a ~ fe.
i believe it, Alice.'
The eyes were shut again. A hard
struggle was in progress.
If were not so weak, Aunt Phoebe
If the time were not so near at hand !
Her lips quivered, and tears fell over her
cheeks. Silence followed.
Three years, or for the war should
never see him again in this world Oh,
Aunt Phoebe, | am not strong enough
for this = ua
Only in the degree that God gives
us strength are we strong for any trial,
was gently answered. You asked, what
can do 2 and the question is answer
ed. Pour into another heart your strong
enthusiasm Vitalize another soul with
your intense patriotism. | have watch
ed you closely, Alice, when Howard has
been here. You are not apparently the
same girl then that you are when he is
absent. You do not talk as strongly
about the war, and if he shows anything
like military ardor you are silent. Not
single stimulus, so far as observed by
me, have you offered to his love of coun
try. Is this right? Are you doing
your highest duty, in thus seeking TO
hold him back from the ranks of patriots
and defenders? l think Howard brave
| know him to be sound in principle
He belongs to that class Of men who
make the best soldiers. And why is he
mol in the army? The answer is with
you. Speak the fitting word. and be
| will move at once 10 the call Of duty
Into his manlier strength your warm
life shall flow. On the battle field your
brave words will he in his thoughts, and
make him invincible. What can you
do. Alice You can give a man TO the
army of freedom-a man filed with your
own spirit, counting not his life dear, so
that his country is saved
Leave me to myself, Aunt Phoebe,
said the sick girl. God will, no doubt,
give me strength /; but feel very weak
now
Aunt Phoebe laid her lips tenderly on
Alice's forehead, and then went out.
For long time shadowing lashes lay
close ubon white cheeks. The pale, thin
mouth was shut. 1t was sad mouth
now. Was there strength enough
Could the sick girl bear this parting
with her lover "a parting in which
there was so little promise. And deeper
still than this went the pang. She
thought of wounding and of death
Could she give that precious one tc
these I? Send him away by word tc
encounter in his own dear person, the
terrible things which she had read a.
be!alhng in battle ? Her weak hear
shuddered. She grew faint and sick be
fore the images imagination wrought in
to almost life.ike existence But ,hi.
state passed. Other thoughts flowed in
to her mind, and changed the character
Of its creations. She did not see thu
dark things OF fear. but the great sue.
cess that lay beyond the strife of battle
fields And now WAS revived the old
ardor Of patriotism Up from the val
ley OF doubt and fear she walked with
firm steps aud eyes fixed udon the noun
tain tops beyond. She had been ready
to give all for her country even hel
own life, il that poor offering could have
availed any,hing-all but this. Now
she was equal to the last great duty.
| am strong in Thy strength sh,
said, lifting her eyes meek!y upward
Take all of earthly support l vii
lean upon Thy everlasting arm
| The shadowy lsshes no longer Ia,
close down over her white cheeks. Th,
pale, thin mouth. shut SO tightly, a It'll,
while before. was parted. and the sad ex
preston gone. The clear eyes looked
out upon The sunny sky and pleasan
landscape. Her heart beat in renewe,
strength.
.Oh. Howard!' What a fash of 10,
went over her countenance The doc