The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1867-09-19
THE SUIT OF ARMY BLUE.

II cannot believe itr' and Mary VIII
ton closed her proud lips firmly; :" he
would never dare dc such thing with
out letting me know of it. He knows
that would not endure it." =
"You may believe it or not as you
please, sister," said her brother Harry,
+" but saw him with my own eyes in
suit OF army blue, and not a shoulder
strap nor even sergeant's stripe to dis
tinguish him from half million 9th
ers''
Mary said nothing bnt turned haughti-
ly away, while in her heart burned an
cry fires against John Edmunds, her
betrothed husband. She was naughty
beauty; that he should have enlisted as
common soldier was more than her
pride could endure; but worse than all
he had not mentioned the subject to her
since one night, months before, when
she had with all her persuasive arts in
duced him to remain at home. She was
expecting him that evening, and she
arrayed herself as tastefully as possible
and went down into the parlor to await
his coming. She was reassured when
she saw him in his usual dress, and they
chattei merrily for awhile, and then
John said:
"I am soldier now, Mary. dear;
will you not bid me God speed and send
me away wearing your colors ?"
The color all died out Of Mary's lips
and cheeks as she asked
"Why have you waited until now, be-
fore telling me?"
because loved you so, and l knew
that If you tried to dissuade me as you
did before, that should yield. I could
not stand it longer, Mary. Our country
is in great need, and why should I, more
than another, fail in her hour Of
trial 2''
"And what position do you hold 2"
asked Mary. "Surely with your wealth
and influential relatives you might OBJ
tain almost any Office you desire"
John smiled.
Those are the very reasons, Mary,
wh, desire no office. My private for
tune is sufficient to support me in case
of accident; and thought that if en-
listed as a private, perhaps some of my
friends, who are holding back for Offices,
would do the same. And, Mary, you
know that my lack Of experience and
military training am unfit to com
mand''
He spoke earnestly and anxiously,
| for he saw Mary's lip curl scornfully
and when he said, do you not agree
with me, Mary ," she said haughtily-
"Since my wishes were not consulted
before, my opinion can be of but little
| value now, but this much do say,
will never be the betrothed of private
soldier;" and she took the heavy gold
, ring from her finger and held it out to
him.
Tears fille,i his eyes, and he took her
hand.
Will you not re consider this, Mary2
think you will regret this step, for 1
| know you love me-
! my decision is made" said she
proudly, 81 will never reverse it. I bid
| you good evening"
"Good by, then, Mary; God bless
you,' and with heavy heart John Ed
munds left the house. Mary threw her
self upon the sofa and wept bitterly but
her pride did not relent.
In weeks time John left New FORK
and became one Of the thousands COM
posing the Grand Army of the Poto-
/ mac. @ s. $50
Months passed and Mary seemed the
gayest of the gay. She plunged deeply
/ into all the gaities around her, and
strove to Danish every thought of the
past. Again betrothal ring encirclcd
her finger. A gray haired banker was
her lover now, and royalty did she queen
it in her circle Of friends: but within
! the innermost chambers of her heart
was enshrined another image, and she
followed the march of John Edmund 9
Regiment, with anxious thought, won
dering if he had forgotten or forgiven
her.
Time passed, and her wedding night
came, and with great pomp she became
the wife of James Walden, with half a
million. The festivities were at their
height when some one behind her said,
not thinking the words would reach her
/ care
/ "She is beautiful creature but per.
fectly heartless. Do you know how she
served John Edmunds, turned him of
because he enlisted as a private soldier,
and now she has married this old man
don't envy him his bride, beautiful as
she is. Poor John! saw he Was al