The weekly union record., 1864-09-03

~ IL N-iSsD- 4Nt. 4SNAl1e - ~ss-i - '
mer night. with the faint fragrance of his ci-
gar wreaihirg about him. Was be thinking
Of Clara Delford or
Half past eleven-high time was asleep
soliloquized the Captain, at length, giving lis
cigar toss iato the quiet street below, aud
entering the room where shaded lamp cast a
circle Of sabdaed light on heaps Of disordered
papers.
~Hallo-what's this: >" he said. half aloud,
taking up tiny note that lay lightly on the
top. This is new arrival in my chaos Of
documents. or I'm mistaken
The direction Captain Werner" was in a
strange handwriting did the contents al
ford any c'ew. Nothing appeared further
than fifty dollar note wrapped in bit of pa
per on which was penciled these words For
the soldiers :"
4 Clara Delford again :" was yerner's first
exclamation. What a splendid creature that
is"
The next glance, however, discovered new
ground of conjecture and perplexity-he held
the note in the full glare Of the lamp, turning
it eagerly from side 10 side.
Il thought couldn't be mistaken he NUT
tered; 1t is the very note paid at Atkin-
sons tonight-here are my initials E. v in
the corner. Now, how on earth"
He paused, apparently iu deep thought.
Very provoking that cant find out to
night he murmured; but III go to Akin
sons the first thing il the morning"
The early dew was yet weighing down the
ha!-bown roses in the simple town garden,
ghen Captain Werner entered the jewelry store
where he had purchased the SET OF onyx for his
mother.
What can do for you this morning, Cap
tain?" inquired the brisk little jeweler, as he
came forward, rubbing his smooth white hands.
a great deal, Mr.. Atkinson you can tell
me to whom you paid out this Treasury Note
last night"
He laid the mysterious "grecnback' on the
glass counter; Atkinson took it up and scruti-
uizad it closely, then referred to bis books.
Certainly l can" he said Il purchased a
very beautiful pearl ring from a lady yesterday
evening and paid her for it with that identical
bill"
A pearl ring the simple words seemed to
throw him off the scent again. The jeweler
unlocked his showcase, and took out small
violet-velvet case, lined with white silk, in
which glimmered pearl Of surprising beauty,
set in in plain gold erclet.
"Ihere it is, he said. Ten years ago |
sent to New York for that very ring, ordered
by DR.. Moore as birth day gift for bis little
daughter, then just twelve years old.'
"Dr. Moore!' repeated Werner.
Yes. Times are sadly changed now, yet
did not suppose that Miss Mildred would ever
have been Induced to part with that favorite
jewel-the only relic, l may venture to say,
she has ever retained of Weather days"
Captain Werner looked down at the ring
through strange unwonted mist. How diff
terent was this silent sacrifice OF sweet memo
ries and old associations to Clara Deford os,
tentatious gift from her overfowing Golfers
l"Silver and gold have | none but such as |
have give l thee" The words came to him
like revelation of Mildred Moore's nature.
Only nine o'clock, but not too early for Mil
dred 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
beard approaching footsteps until Captain Yer.
ners shadow fell across the flower border.
Then she started up, with large diated eyes
like those of frightened fawn' and carmne
burning in her usually coloress cheeks.
Captain Verner."
DO not be startled, Miss Milfred, be SAID
with gentle, reassuring accents. Il have only
called to thank you for your kind donation to
the sick soldiers"
She clasped her hands over her flushed face,
ike child detected in some fault.
Il beg your pardon; did not think
never intended"
Nay" he Interrupted, earnestly. Il have
learned the history of the ring. Your sacri-
fee is pot unappreciated, and"
He stopped, for she had burst into convul-
sye sobs and tears 1t was entirely q new
phase OF her being. Captain Werner stood
completely couiouDded. Had be known her
all these months and yet remained ignorant of
the passionate depth and emotion of her char
acter? She was there before him no longer
the fair, passionless statue. but a lovely woman,
made loyelier still by tears The citadel of
bis undetermined long ago, unconscious
" to himsalf-surrendered at this last attack
And who could blame him?
Don't, Mildred :" he said, caressingly. My
dearest girl, if you knew bow it grieved me to
see you weep"