The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-07-30

ing the room where shaded lamp cast
circle of subdued light on heaps of disor-
dered papers.
"Hello-what's this?" he said, taking
up tiny note that lay lightly on the top.
"This is new arrival in my chaos oc
documents, or I'm mistaken"
The direction, "Captain Verner," was
in strange handwriting,-nor did the
contents afford any clew. Nothing appeared
further than fifty dollar note wrapped in
bit of paper on which was written "For
the soldiers"
"Clara Delford again. was Verner's
first exclamation. "What a splendid
creature that is p
The next glance, however, discovered
new ground of conjecture-he held the
note in the glare of the lamp, turning it
eagerly from side to side
Il thought couldn't be Mistaken" he
muttered it is the very note 1 paid
Atkinson to-night-here are my initials,
"E. v" in the corner. Now how on
earth"
He paused abruptly in deep thought
every provoking that can't find out To-
night lie murmured; but I'll go to
Atkinson's the first thing in the morning.
The early dew was yet weighing down
the half-blown roses in the simple town
garden, when Capt. Werner entered the
jewelry store where he had purchased the
set of onyx for his mother.
"What can do for you this morning,
Captain p inquired the brisk little jewel
er. as he came forward, rubbing his smooth,
white hands.
ga great deal, Mr.. Atkinson you can
tell me to whom you paid out this Treas
ury Note last night"
He laid the mysterious "greenback"
on the glass counter Atkinson took il up
scrntinized it closely, then referred to his
books. 'Certainly l can," he said 81
purchased a very beautiful pearl ring from
lady yesterday evening, and paid for it
with that very identical bill.'
A pearir;ng the simple words seemed
to throw him off the scent again The
jeweler unlocked his show case, ana took
out a small vIolet-velvet case, lined with
white silk, in which glimmered pearl of
surprising beauty, set in plain gold
circlet
"There it is" be said. "Ten years ago
[ sent to New York for that very ring,
ordered by DR. Moore as birthday gift
ior his little daughter, then just twelve
years old
CDR. Moore ~ replied Werner.
Yes. Times sadly changed now,
yet did not suppose that Miss Mildred
would exer have been induced to part
with that favorite jewel-the only relic, 1
may venture to say, she has ever retained
of wealthier days"
Captain Werner looked down at the
ring through strange unwonted, mist
How different was this silent sacrifice of
sweet memories and old associations to
Clara Delford's ostentatous gift from her
overfowirg Golfers "Silver and gold
have | none; but such as / have give /
thee" The words came to him like a
revelation of Mildred Moore's nature
Only nine o'clock, but not too early
for Mildred Moore to be watering her
sweet peas and geraniums in the cottage
garden. Nay, so busy was she with tiny
pink blossom which had broken from its
fastening, that she never heard approach
ing footsteps until Capt. Verner's shadow
fell across the flower border. Then she
started up, with large, dilated eyes, like
NHOoO VI q II Sh'SuCu lawn, duu CdiIuihS
burning in her usually colorless checks
"Captain Werner ?'
"Do not be startled, Miss Mildred" he
said, with gentle assuring accents. 81
have only called to thank you for your
kind donation to the sick soldiers"
She clasped her hands over her face
like child detected in some fault.
81 beg your pardon / did not think
never Intended"
: Nay" he interrupted, earnestly, ~
have learned the history of the ring
Your sacrifice is not unappreciated, and"
He stopped, for she had burst into
convulsive sobs and tears. 1t was entirely
new phase of her being. Captain
Werner stood completely confoundcd. Had
he known her all these months and yet
remained ignorant of the passionate depth
aud emotion of her character? She was
there before him, no longer tho fair
passionless statue, but lovely woman,
made still loyelier by tears! The citadel
Of his sheart-undermined long ago, uncon-
sciously to himself-surrender at this
last attack. And who would blame him /?
"Don't Mildred !" he said earuestly.-
"Ny dearest girl, if you knew how it
grieved me to see you weep"
"Pardon NE" she faltered "Y am
ashamed of being so foolish. but it was all
] bad 10 givsp' @