The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1865-06-21
,urued tho boy. lispinsly.

stalled, delighted to b mp 20 high. where he
could see the swift passing landscape, the
COWS, and the roads, and Lilly, waiting till
che could catch the soldiers eye. beckoned
him 70 the seat beside her. Suddenly his
face Frightened, for he was ready to sink
He came slowly forward. and took the plaes.
Lilly's sister looking vexatiously out of the
moustacbe, and keeping his fine broadcloth
intact from the touch and soil of the blue
shoddy coat OF the soldier.
'Shan't / hold the little boy, madam p
asked the latter, evidently taking her for the
mother of the child.
No. no-Eddy don't want to- cried the
little fellow
Il am very thankful said the soldier in
low and unmuslcal voice. for this seat,
madam have been travelling constantly,
almost day and night, and am very weary
You are entirely Welcome said Lilly,
quietly. :.
BE you's soger?' piped up little Ned.
sYes, sir l am a soldier
Did g guns ever hit You? queried the
child.
Yes, my little lad, and be lifted his cap.
showing on the broad, white forehead above
the band, a small deeply cut scar.
This is no common man. said Lilly to
herself, noticing the correctness of his lang
uage, and the quiet and unrestraint of his
manner. Little Ned was still for q moment,
evidently thinking of more questions.
BE you going to Washington at last he
asked.
Yes. sir, am going to Washington
so am l. Pm going to grandma Han
nah's; and Pm going to see sll the soldiers
60 by and when you go by shall see you,
shan't ] p
Perhaps you will, my little lad
Will you lift up your cap when you see
mer
Certainly WILL said the soldier, and lit.
tie Ned turned to the window. Meanwhile
Clara and her husband kept perfect silence,
the former showing, occasionally, by certain
movements, that she had no desire to be in
truded upon by conversation, or anything
else. Ned, after he was tired of looking,
began playing with his aunty's ring finally,
be worked il off her finger, aud amused him.
self by running his own wee thumb through
the costly circlst.
At last the train reached Washington
The soldier. who had been asleep, reused
himself. thanked Lilly again, with great
earnestness and left his seat, going towards
the back of the car. The usual hustle at
tendant on arrivals, was over, and the three,
with little Ned, quietly seated in a carriage,
were driven up in the direction of Wizards,
not tar short of which they stopped before q
handsome private dwelling.
L understood Col. Althorpe was expected
here TO day. said Mr.. Raynor.
What the Althorps that sister Minneo
knew. in the west?' asked Clara. The group
were sitting in the west parlor, after dinner.
Yes. an eccentric but brave and noble
fellow as ever lived. He equipped a regi-
ment with his own funds-the finest one 10
the whole state, they say There was a loud
exclamation from Lilly.
oh, my ring! my beautiful brilliant!
have just missed ii y
There Miss Lilly, now hope you have
received goo1 lesson said Clara. sharply
She would have one OF those common SOL
diers sit by her side because she fancied he
looked tired. Now you see you have lost
yonr ring
He never took itp exclaimed Lilly. i
let Ned have it. Ned what did you do with
aunty's ringr
Give it to e soldier 7 cried Ned, who was
using his fathers cane for horse. He had
heard part OF the foregoing conversation, and
probably imagined he was speaking the
| sruth.
There, told you so I! He saw at once tina,
it was costly affair, and kept it. So much
for your foolish sympathy
'The secretary of state gives a reception
to night
Il suppose we CO. half yawned Lilly.
oh, of course-papa could never miss -
he is a bosom friend, you know said Clara
laughingly.
So to the reception they went-Lilly in
white and pearls; Clara in cerulean blue
with a few diamonds.
My poor brilliantp sighed Lilly to her
self. seeing the sparkle of her sisters gems
My DEAR said her father to Lilly, i hear
that Colonel Althorpe will be here tonight
he did come in your train on Tuesday
And that is he,' said Lilly to her sister
as an hour later they stood talking together
Why Clarar
Child, how pale you look" said her sis
| ter.
1t is him. Clara. See. he is coming d.
rectly here
Almost as she spoke, the distinguished
stranger, splendidly uniformed, came toward
| the sisters.
Madame he said, addressing Lilly, q
think your little boy must have dropped this
| ring the other day And he handed her the
| brilliant. Clara was overwhelmed with NOR
tifcatou she had recognized the stranger
| by those veritable. horrible black eyes, that
to night seemed surprisingly beautiful.
Thank you, sir; my little nephew probab
| ly did drop it,
All! and the eyes grew more brilliant
Permit me to thank you again. miss, fol
your kindness to poor soldier. Believe me
/ shall never forget it
This time il was Clara who learned les
SON Mr.. Raynor was delighted to meet an
old friend--Lilly blushingly happy. and the
colonel in love. 1t was only yesterday that
| read the announcement OF Colonel Althorpe's
marriage with Miss Lilly Rsynor-'One OF