Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1864-02-04

wife to answer the cali; butseyidently they
did not hear. and taking up the lamp. she
went herself The air was. thick with
Snow; ana on the door step. his blue over
coat grey with the feathery fakes, stood a
man in federal uniform. He lifted his hat,
and spoke with courtesy:
us this the residence OF Miss Hildred
Hayne?"
1T is" she answered coldly; what i.
your business?"
The young soldiers bronzed cheek flush
ell at her naughty tone, but he replied with
feeling: Madam. have in my charge a
wounded officer who was given over to die
by our regimental surgeon; and on his dis
charge from the hospital. be made one sol
emn request. probably his last one. He
asked to pc Brought here, that his diving
breath might be drawn in the place where
the only happiness Of his life had come to
him. /. as his friend and subordinate.
have complied with his request. Shall !
bring him liz ?"
Miss Hany ue's cool hand trembled slight
"; and faint qaiver Of scarlet shot up to
her forehead.
"what is the gentlcman's name?' she
aaked. - s, sr l>
s..Col. Paul lancaster" -
She made movement as If to close the
door. but the soldier PIT himself IN the
way. - zm "a r.ag
"Madam you may be refusing shelter to
Ia dying man. Reflect before you decide.
Col. Lancaster was once yonr friend; will
you shut the door OF your house upon him
when he asks with his expiring breath, the
cover of your rooi?' 3si9so ..ss
Miss Hayne underwent a struggle. bat
IL was momentarilly.D She threw open the
door. and callel old Francis. II =
Garry him in there" she said, point
ing to the warm parlor; 81 will come to
him directly" She went up to her cham
Der aud locked herself in. What a fear
full trial she passed through was known
only to God and her own soul.
In little while she came DOWN pale
and quiet, and entered the room where
they had taken their guest. The sofa was
drawn up before the fire; and the pale. wan
face that vas lifted to meet her eyes, was
?
lancaster she had once known.
| A Sigh; tinge Of color swept the asher
whiteness of his cheek; he held out his
haud-the other he hal lost. -.s
"Hildrej." he said feebly, sat last have
dared to return to YOU
She took his hand her face softened
there was little tremor in her voice." 81
am pleased to welcome you. Col. Lsncas
ter ..-srn4fH IA nf 3~rferf
"By the memory OF the sweet past, O
Hildrel, let me stay where | can some
times look a. You! / only asked God to LEI
me live until l could come here and die
until, dying, conld plead for and obtain
your forgiveness? You will not refuse
me, Hildred?"
81 have buried all enmity" she sail,
slowly and solemnly; we will forget wha
has been and be friends. Where shall
address letter to your relatives?"
81 have none near enough to care fol
my missoftunes. My father is dead: my
sister sleeps in foreign grave. have
neither friends nor relatives"
She looked at him with dnmb wonder.
Perhaps he understood the doubt express.
ed in her face. for be said. as ii in expla-
nation:
mo, Hildrea, I have never married.
The first love of my life was the one true
love of my soul Ny fancy for Isabel
CORTLAND was brief passion. 1t died q
speedy death, and buried it ont Of my
sight. IIillred, | have never loved any
woman save you. IN
She laid her hand on his forehead softly
the hsrdness and gloom vent out of her
face; the lines of determination around her
mouth werc smoothed away; she was kind
anl tender, and womanIy.
"Sleepr' she said gently. "henceforth
nothing save death shall divide us!''
From that hour wonderful change
came over Hildred Havnc. Once more
she was human; the world held interest for
her; she left her solitary life of selishness,
and did good to those around her.
Col. Lancaster owed his life to her un-
RENTED care. and when. at last he rose
up, MANNED AMI feeble, but chastened and
purified by long suffering. uildrel became
his wife.
The oil hard existence was forever cast
aside; and to-day you can fad no more ro-
manly woman than -Uildred Lancaster.
e-es - Godcy's 'Lady's Book