Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-09-12
SET E G r S 20 r Y.
The Ordeal of Battle.

'And this is your final decision, Miss
Clay 2"
She was beauty born, that rose -mouthed
little Rachel Clay, with her large, wistful
eyes trembling with blue, radiant light, like
yelled cheek stained with pomegranate
crimson-an empress of hearts from her
youth up And sitting in the framework OF
roses that traled athwart the easement, with
ribbons futterng from her brown curls, and
one red jewel flashing among the folds of her
muslin dress, you would almost have fancied
her some pictured saint.
Harry Cleveland was leaning against the
window, tail, handsome young fellow, with
DARE eyes and hair, and brown cheek, deep
ly flushed with anger and modification.
"Yes, Mr.. Cleveland, it isl said Rachel
calmly lifting her clear eyes to his face
"You have asked me for my reason, and
though question your right to make such a
demand, Still | have no objections to render
Them"
eSpeah on" said Harry, biting his lips fu-
riousiy, ''let me know why am condemned y
"They are soon spoken" said Rachel,
quietly. II have liked you very much, Mr.
Cleveland ike you-but in the man
whom marry look for greater frmness
and decision than you have ever displayed
Earnestness, resolution-these are the only
qualities that can respect. Do not lnisun-
derstand me. Do you suppose that [ blame
you for the lack of qualifications which,
WHICH"
Rachel paused instinctive1y, while the
pomegranate tinge on her cbeeks blazed into
vivid scarlet in sympathy with the deep blush
that dyed her lovers whole face. He SIM
ply bowed, and walked out of the room with a
firm and naughty step.
Late that evening he sat at his window,
with elenched teeth and lowering brow,
watching the fiery embers of sunset fade into
the purple gloom, and noting the silver Of
innumerable consultations as they followed
one another over the blue backed concave OF
the heavens. But the gleam Of sun and stars
might have been Egyptian darkness, for all
he knew or cared about the gentle influence.
"Life."' he murmured darkly to himself,
what is it worth to me now What care |
who wins the glitteriDg prizes in fates lot
terry, or who is engulfed in the whirlpool of
despair? To be rejected-and for mere
whim, too! If I could only forget her as
quickly as she will forget me-the fickle,
beautiful enchantress y
"Hallo, Cleaveland I'm going to call
on pretty Rachel Clay. WiKyou come along,
too?"
Captain Morrell had paused under the
window. with his brown, merry face turned
upwards.
s'Not tonight
And Captain Morrell went on his way, the
fiery end Of his cigar cleaning fitful1y through
the darkness.
"There he goes, muttered the solitary mis-
anthrope, with his guilt buttons and his
military airs and graees; and it is for such
as he that Rachel throws away my love =
X X 4
So you We enlisted, Harry?" said Square
ClaT, polishing the glasses of his spectacles
"Well, its what I'd do myself, if | was forty
years younger Amt you coming in to bid
our Rachel goodbye? Haven't time /? Well,
| do declare !"
The squire gazed in astonishment after the
vanishing figure of Harry Cleayeland on
horseback, as it disappeared among the trees.
II wonder what Rachel will say" was
his unspoken comment.
But Rachel said nothing.
Day by day the old wound ranhled and
grew sorer to Harry Cleveland's heart.
"Will he live, doctor ?"
Every pulse in Rachel Cay's being seemed
to stand still, as her blue, dilated eyes search.
ed the doctors kind, sun Drowned face