The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-05-06
dflstella
From IIarpcr's Magazine for March.
NETTY'S T0UCH-ST0NE.

Il III OHly Nttt1 muluCu-uuhts but uit
that couldn't help noticing how beautiful she
appeared on q certain evening not long ago,
when George Holmes and Henry Kirkland sat
talking with her by the library window. Both
of the young men were evidently of my opin-
ion; but George Holmes, II I may say It, seemed
to take in the idea rather differently from Hen
ry Kirkland. The clear, naughty eye and soft
ly moduated voice of the latter seemed to say,
You're very pretty Miss Netty, pretty enough
to suit even my fastidious taste, and can well
appreciate your satisfaction in having fine
young fellow like mo among your admirers
But George Holmes seemed to just sit and drink
in her loveness until it choked him.
/ liked George by far the best, and II pro-
voked me enough to see him looking almost
gawky in his self forgctfulncss, while Henry
Kirkland posed himself elegantly upon the sofa,
holding his hat like prince of the blood, and
sending forth a flow of small talk that caused
Netty's eye to sparkle with merriment. II she
chanccd to shyly look up at either Of them, I
(sitting nearly behind her in my corner) could
readily tell at which one sho was looking. II
at Henry, knew II by o peculiar brightness
in his glance, and q placid elevation Of his
eyebrows. If at George, the stupid fellow
looked instantly as red as beet and as express
sionless rs pumpkin had no patience with
him, and could not help thinking to myself,
rs sat there knitting. that ifhc lost Netty al
together 1t was just his own fault.
Pretty soon Henry, after covertly consult
ing his watch, arose with listlcss and at the
samo time reluctant mir. 'r..t.- -.-r. I'd
''Aro you goingl" asked Netty, with mock
sorrowfulness. aI'. p.
'.Indeed must co." responded Harry, in
the same style. "sorry to distress you, but"
with the air ofintense security 81 leave you
in such good company that doubt not your
tears will soon be as mist" ... |
"Oh, oh ~ interrupted Nctty, laughing,
"almost pun, / declare. l really thought
better than that Of you, Mr.. Kirkland. But
before you leave us do tell me one thing. Is 1t
true that you are going to the war! Some one
at Mrs. Watkins soirce told me that you had
been drafted" Ig... .H
"Not indeed believe this goodly town
did do me the honor OF drawing my poor
name from one of its autocrat wheels, but
have already cancelled the obligation. A bet
ter soldier than ! would care to be in this fra
ternal brawl will do that share Of my work for
me, while | shall remain here attending to my
own affairs, which he would be quite incompc-
tent TO manage. Our social scheme, You see,
balances oil these things beautifully" and
Henry Kirkland, with graceful bow which
somehow included George and myself, though
he didn't fairly look at either Of US, took his
departure without waiting to discuss the mat
ter further. r-. f.-.r T. .-- ID
A puzzled expression CLEANED in Netty 8
blue eyes as she bade him "good evening""
and then turning toward George said rather
abstractcdly, .| .'7..H r1-
"I suppose must congratulate you upon
better fortune, for I have not yet heard Of your
name being among those drawn" u5r ,l.n
E "You are right" returned George, quietly.
.'I have taken care that mine shall never be
upon their lists \. ,....,.i .. ..,-a, y,--,.-
"Why," exclaimed Netty, opening her eyes
wider yet, shave you really such horror Of
being drafted,'' nc''fiiH.1 DO Sa.-fal'
2 shave indeed" wns the candid response.
Poor Netty! Those three words from
Georges lips evidently stuug her far, more
than she would have confessed. l saw that
plainly enough, though 1 hardly raised my
eyes from my knitting. Meantime my own
opinion Of the young gentleman fell down
nearly to zero. .di 6sr1.I--.sl " y' T-9r|
"Oh, IL i werc but man!', burst almost
unconsciously from Nctty's lips. .'...' ~
He looked at her inquiringly, while, strange
to say, aplcased expression played about his
face. .t .t..... ....., ,,.,...,,i-.I ,.rr
"Aud if," he suggested. 'trri irsHu|
"why. I'd act like . man," was the indig-
nant rejoinder.' And II Netty had locked pref.
ty an hour ago am sure she was doubly beau
tiful now. with her flushed cheek and flashing
eye. and her head, with It's rich waves Of gold
en- hair, thrown proudly back. = ..I, =, 81 - i
ol Just then the door.bell rang. and in m in.
slant two insipid specimens Of "Young Amer
lea" were ushered int6 the room. n'ETi adi
Thanking my lucky stars that my time for
being attractive to their particular species had
passed away, busily piled my needles, wcav-
ing in with the coarse blue yarn many ten
der, .yearnipg thought Of "the brave soldier
boys" forwhom rhad been steadily knitting
and working for months.