Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-04-23
THE ANGEL OF THE DEPOT;
II op WHAT CAME OF A KISS. ao'.


-th Regiment ives about to leave for
the seat Of war; and it was known that
the brave fellows were going where
fighting was sure to come. The cars
had backed into the building, and the
engine was shrieking impatiently. The
regiment had fled into the depot, and
ms the soldiers rested for few mo-
ments upon their arms. fond friends
gathered around, and the words oil
parting were spoken. There were
tears, and sobs, and blessings; there
was wfinging of hands, and wringing
of beartsI Wives were parting with
husbands; mothers were parting with
their sons; sisters were bidding good
bye to brothers; and fathers were speak.
ing the last words Of caution and care.
It was a season of painful anxiety; for
the departing ones we're going away
with their lives in their hands, and the
offering on the battle-altar might be
speedily made.
CORPORAL Walter Evermont leaned
upon his rife, and gsEed upon the
scene. No one came to kiss him
none to bid him farewell. Not over
oue-and-twenty was Corporal Walter
Evermond. He had fresh, handsome
face, and q bright. pure eye; and his
frame was one OF those marVels where
in a magnificent physical structure, is
developed with small body.
4 declare, said the Corporal, wiping
bit of moisture from his eye, 4 am
glad that have nobody here to weep
and sob for me. Yet he added. with
longing look, it would be pleasant to
bear away one parting kissl But l
shan't get it,
Walter Evermond felt hand on his
arm, and the prettiest, sweetest face he
had ever seen beamed upon him with a
smile.
IN kiss you. sir!' And the girl
placed both hands upon his shoulders.
and pressed her lips upon his blooming
cheek.
Thank you'll Bless youp
Fall in! Fall ini'
The Corporal pressed the hand Of
the beautiful girl; gave one more look
into her beaming face, and then fell
into line; and ere long the cars rolled
out from the depot, bearing the volun-
teers towards the field where patriot
duty called them.
In little while the train was out Of
sight around the turn, and the throng
of friends gradually dispersed.
Nellie, Pm astonished at you!'
'Astonished at me?' repeated Nellie
Preston, looking up into the face Of
John Gainsford, who walked by her
side tdacarriage.
yes. How could you do such a
thing?'
Such a thing as what?'
kiss that fellow in the depot
Goodness graciousl What were you
thinking Of?
I was thinking replied Nellie. with
a perceptible flush Of feeling, that he
might be a poor, motherless, sisterless
boy, who had no one in the world to
love him.
And SO you thought you'd love him,
eh?'
Il love all those brave. noble men
who have gone out to offer up their
lives for their countrY's wellareP said
the girl, with deep emotion. i never
knew how well l loved my own brother
until / saw him go away to-day. ]
hope God will keep him and return
him to US In safety
Did you notice. said Mr.. Gainsford,
after pause, that your foolish be.
bavior caused considerable remark?'
i had rather you wouldn't say any
thing more about that, Mr.. Gainsford
You are ashamed of it, eh?'
4 am ashamed of you, sirl You
need not help me. I can get into my
carriage alone
Two days after this. Judge Prestor
came home looking very thoughtful
After tea he called Nellie 10 him, anC
asked her il she had made up her MIND
to be the wife of John Gainsford.
i have made up my mind that
will not be his wifel' was her promp
reply.
Il have no wish to urge you, m!
child
i do not love him father; and
should prefer to have no more intimac,
with him. / never liked him. He
unkipd to his poor sister; and be nigh
be unkind to me- "
You are right. my daughter; and
am now free to confess that an
pleased with your decision. Almos
the last thing your brother said to me
before be left With bis company, wa;
that he hoped you would not max
John Gainsford bis brother-in-law.-
He knows Gaipsford well, and has n
respect for him. s..5.sl
The Judge kissed his child, and th
matter WAS settled. Gainsford wa
the SON Of one, of his Oldest friends
and thus the intimacy had commenced
and he had been willing. for bi
daughters sake, to try the young man
but be felt q sense Of relief now tba
the trial was over. rs.sr ,.
George Preston, the Judges onl,
sop, had gone as Captain Of comps
M: and the family watched anxiousl
for the news that was to bear to ther
intelligence of the movements, Of th
.th Regiment. By-and.by iptellrgenc