Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1863-04-02

tired to her room and although sleep came M,
to her eyes for many Lours, she kept her pride
up.
The morning of the dread day came. Nellie
came down to breakfae; looking pale and weary
land when asked il he was i'll answered as
women in all such cas- do-she had head
ache
She dared not trust herself alone and so
staid in the parlor all he morning.
In the afternoon Charlie sat reading his pa
per when all Of sudden he turned to Nellie
and said,--
"Nee why is it thai Harry has not enlisted
before now, he seems TO be one of the most pa
triotic of men? There must be some rerson."
He paused an instant when seeing the deep
blush which dyed cheek and brow he said in
tones of surprise, at cannot be Nellie that YOU
keep him back %
Charlie against her too-twas too bad really.
Would every body unite in endeavoring to
make her miserable Nellie was not quite an
angel, and she said somewhat impatiently,-
"And why should not keep him, if choose
to do so? But you need not fear. Whatever
| may have done, 1 sl.al no longer say anything
against his onlistins. He can 90 whenever he
chooses !"
This was wonderful speech for Nellie, and
Charlie was so astonished that he allowed Nell
lie to escape from the room without making
any reply.
/ Nellie decided what she should say TO Harry
when he came. She should tell him to co. If
he did not love her, well enough to keep him
from causing her so much needless pain, he
might go-and forget her. But reader you and
| know that she never would have said this,
her heart was too loving and true even if moth
ing had transpred to prevent. She would have
broken down ere the speech was half through
The fates favored Harrys project.
Evening came and Harry was early at Miss
Blair's. Nellie was in the parlor engaged with
some light work as he entered. She did not
rise but with heightened color merely bowed
him good evening
This was very unusual and Harry taking
vacant chair by her side asked if she was well.
Of course she was wel-perfectly so
The conversation which might have followed
was lost by the entrance of Charlie with a letter
1 for Nellie.
Nellie took the letter and lett the room but
scarcely moment had elapsed ere she returned
pale and excited. "Charlie Harry" she hur-
ridly exclaimed 81 must go to M to-night
will you, one of you drive me over.
Surprised and startled both sprang towards
her. asking in one voice "what is it Nellie P"
| Nellie gave Charlie the letter and then sank
down upon the sofa.
The letter was from an invalid sister of an
old schoolmate, and very, very dear friend of
Nellie's, informing her that this friend lay very
/ i'll with contagious fever. The mother and
sister had contracted the fever while nursing
her and also lay ill. 81 do not wish you to
come to u.s." the letter concluded "for the dan
ger of contracting the fever is great and we are
supplied with sVVI ,ru.~s, UAt oil, sI~il;O, just
write me a comforting word for my heart is
breaking with thought what ifthey should die"
As soon as Charlie finished reading the letter
Nellie sprang up saying. GLOW soon can you
go. l must 90 tonight"
"But Nellie, my dear sister this fever is con-
tagous, there is great danger of your taking
| it,"
danger! and shall that keep me! Charlie
I did nor expect this of YOU"
"But Nellie, there is no real need of your
going"
Nellie's face blushed and she said almost in
dgnantly "'rhere was no real need of her nurs.
ing me through that long, dangerous fever last
summer. She could have left me to hired
nurses-but she did not and l must go to her."
"But Nellie you do not think of your friends.
Harry here, should have word to say ere you
endanger your life in this way"
"Harry? l should not be worthy thought
from him, if l could let a little danger keep
me from duty like this. Dear Harry you'll"
Nellie began the question but broke off sud-
denly.
As she raised her eyes to Hary's face there,
all at once, flashed through her mind the
thought that she was asking of him what she
had refused to grant at his request
She met the gaze Of the loving eyes and hers
fell.
She saw it all now She stood silent, few
moments with a surprised troubled look upon
her face, her color coming and going rapidly
Then pale and still she moved towards Harry.
Slowly and laboriOusly she spoke looking strait
into his eyes the while.
"Harry, you have felt like this about enlist
ing?"
"Just like this my Nellie" Harry answered
encrcling her trembling form within his arms.
so, Harry did not know could not see !!
Forgive me, oh, forgive me" she cried bOwing
her head upon his bosom.
"Ive nothing to forgive, sweet Nellie. lam
only thoughtful for so much love. knew you
would understand sometime, Look upw
A moment Nellie lay sobbing, but only a
} moment. Raising herself and putting both
hands in Harry's she said firmly.
"Harry, dear Harry, you have my free, full
consent to serve your country-until death il
need be. Go and God be with you" Thus
gave Nellie her consent
ORGANIZATION OF A UNION CLUB.-Boston
Monday, March 2, 1868. A Union Club has
been organized in Boston, embracing among its
! m, mbers many leading citizens noted for nat