The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-03-11


tei.us- BYMRs. L. D SHEARS.
There were wild flowers in profusion, In
bouquet and garland, scattered about the
small but genteel mansion of Widow Stoning.
ton. Mirrors and antique picture frames
were wreathed with them; windows were
garlanded, and even the very goblets-sayine
asufficient number to accommodate the excit
ed guests-were made to serve the purposes
of vase. The long table with its snowy cloth
tne slde-Doard, and the parlor mantle piece
pore score OF their fragrant ornaments; vet
queen above them all, was the pure white bou
quet OF syrlngas and white-thorn blossoms
IhaI lay upon the dressing table in one of the
neatest little boudoirs in New England.
What a stiri what a tumulti what a run.
ming here and there what pattering OF slip
pered feet up and down the stairs Wnat ay-
ing OF nlmble fingers among bits of ribbon
and tarleton and illusion! And why not?-
Sweet Lucy, the only surviving child of the
widow, was that morning to marry Captain
Edward Burnett, young and handsome off
Ger, who had already distinguished himself in
the Union service. @a 10 Dalt39,k
Lucy IS not handsome, but very pure and
lovely in her bridal dress Of peaPl-whte gauzy
texture, looped up here and there with bou
quets OF the fragrant syringa; while among
her golden curls peep out the white violet and
moss rose bud, just opening its petals to the
light.
And Lucy looked dreamily happy that
morning, yet astonishingly indifferent-so the
bridemaids protested-to her own personal
appearance. She had not once raised her
eyes 10 the mirror before which they were
turning her from one side to the other as il
she were but moving wax figure, placed
there to show to advantage the gauze and
laces with which they were adorning her.
A light rap is heard at the door.
.i That is EdWard-let him come in said In
cy, the lightest perceptible flush mounting TO
her cheeks at the well known sound.
oh! no, mop chimed dozen voices; mot
till this loop of ribbon is fastened and the veil
properly adjusted
But Edward did come in, though he paused
for moment on the threshold to contemplate
the loveliness of the group. The next instant
he was by Lncy's side, rumpling veil, tissues
ribbons and flowers in one confused mass, az
he caught her in his arms and pressed his liz.
to her now burning cheeks.
Goodness meP oh myp did you ever
THE bearP The Hottentot; to swallow hel
at mouthfulp and various other exclama,
tions Of disgust escaped the group of bride
maids, who looked with dismay on the havoc
the sunburnt but still handsome captain was
making OF the bridal flnery Of their pet Lu-
cy. ar
Il beg pardon, ladies, but I couldn't resist
the temptstion,' said Edward; there, Lucy
SudkC yOuT5tls anu you DC JuSI as SOOQ as
new. Who shall say the beauty of a bird il
not enhanced by ruffiing its plumage p
just at this moment Mrs. Stonington enter
ed to say that the guests had all arrived anC
the minister was getting impatient
Not more so than myself said Edward, re
signing his BRIDE elect to her uncle, who wa
to give her away.
While the ceremony is being performed 81
lent prayer goes up from the heart of the wild
ow, and tears drop thick and fast upon he
furrowed cheeks, for her home will now b.
desolate indeed; and when at last the two arr
made one, aud the mother presses her daugh
ter to her bosom-now hers no more foreve
one long, moaning sob which she strives il
vain to repress, escapes her, and she feels tina
the light has gone out from the hearthston'
when the carriage containing the newly wed
ded pair rolls away from the door.
A month had passed. Captain Burnett
term OF absence having expired, he join
his regiment, bearing his young bride wit
him-much against his better judgment-t
that desolate portion OF Eastern Virgins
which was soon after the scene of terrible
battle. tasF 81.
But though he presented camp life an,
marches in their drearest aspect to her, he
reply was
'Where'er thou goest will go. Had
thought you would refuse to let me bear yo
company in your perils, would not have mar
ried you
Lucy, dearest, how can a delicate form lik
yours bear the tedious marches which many
hardy soldier sinks under? and then to sub
sist for weeks on the hard, dry, ofttimes repul
sive food-what change from the delicacie
you have been nurtured on
Let me but try, Edward am strong ant
brave and healthy, and | will cheerfully bea
all the privaiions you mention, nay more, so
may be your companion "a -Je
Aud thus it was that the brave captain
yielded to his young wife's entreaties.
The bride was for time charmed with tht
novelty Of camp life, and while listening t,
the stirring beat of the drum, as the differen
companies went through their drills, she al
most wished herself bold soldier boy N
prouder sight had her eyes ever witnesse
than that of her gallant husband as, at tn
head Of his brave band of cavalry, he set GU
for the battlefield. lie iH
'And am to be left behnd9' she asked, a
Edward spiaug from his saddle and entere,
the tent to give her parting kiss, /.
Certainly, dearest. What could we d,
with woman on the battle .feld?'
Il feel as if / could fight, too, Edward. Pra,
. let me accompany you.' rss,r 5s-53l5
Not for the wide world can 1 CONSENT
Some i'll would most assuredly belsll you; an,
you would be. at least, but a stumbling bloc
in our way. have given Stanton the charg
Of affairs here, and, until ]. return, or yo
hear from me, follow implicitly his direction.
Should fall, dear Lucy and his voice trem
bled slightly, go back to your mother with
out delay
Lucys eyes were din with tears, but sh
soon wiped them a way to watch the little ban,
which her husband led as they galloped acros
the broad plain
The battlefield was not far distant, an
soon she heard the roar of artillery. Tn
loud booming of cannon and the lendis
Kissing of the shells, that sped fercer tina
thunderbolts through the air, set her nearl
frantic. 4a ta
'Stantonp she cried, going to the doc
where be was busy putting things in marchin
order. 1et
Is there horse here p
yes, ma'am, couple'
Then saddle the swiItest for me. Ias, gC
ing out for ride.' a l5ff.a 10
But, ma'am, the captain said
No matter what the captain said. I mus
have the horse, and at once.'
L have no lady's saddle'
No matter; saddle of anv kind wi;
do
But madam
Stamping her little foot.
Look yonderp And she pointed n N
northeast. "A heavy rebel force i conin
unexpectly, upon. our troops. With suit
horse, can reach my husbands column an
give the alarm in time to circumyent tben
Now do my bidding at oncep
Stanton, in fear and wonder, obeyed. q,
when he led forth the high-mettled steed T.,