The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1868-02-27
For the Jeffersonian.
THE UNION VOLUNTEER.
BY II. LANGFORD.
CHAPTER XXIV.
G RE AT CHA NGE s.

rient, and the wild birds carolled their
notes among the clustering foliages in
full and delightful harmony. To day the
returned soldier was to be welcomed
home, and feasting was the general topics
of conversation among the servants. Con
salvo paced up and down the balcony,
leaning on the arm of Costardo, who, with
flushed face and animated pride, recounted
the great occurrences of the war, together
with incidents of individual courage, and
his own peculiar adventures. His com
panien's face was turned towards him, but
it was convulsed by the inner torments of
his soul. Costardo's tales were unheeded,
when after he bad related his encounter
with Austin on the battle field; his alb
duction at Gordonsville, and, lastly, OF
his condemnation by General Lee = his
! pardon and transmission to the military
prison at Macon. He concluded by say
ing that Austin might be expected home
every day, as the town had fallen into
the hands of the enemy few weeks be-
FORE The old man retired when he fin
ished, and desired Costardo to attend up
on him in the evening. He complained
of headache and general debility, and so
skunk off leaving his companion alone.
He entered at the rear of the hall, and
with tottering footsteps, proceeded to the
drear solitude where, in an overflow OF Joy,
Camilla sung her favorite balled of the
Lovers" She paused suddenly as the
door opened and beheld the pale and
stricken countenance of her father. He
seated himself near her, and after a few
nom ents of earnest thought observed: =
You are surprised at my weakness,
child, and why not? l am getting old,
and must lie down in peace. | am going
to take you from here, as you have ex-
hibited such gentleness of mind under SO
severe trial l am indeed sorry that l
was forced to act so; but in future shall
repay ALL You shall see your cousin
presently. Costardo awaits your presence
with impatieRce."
And Camilla was pale too. a sleep
less night had passed over her "a night
of JOY, delerium and hope; aud her eyes
were overcast with the sad expectation of
love She remarked, hoarsely:-
" Father, forgive me, but l am con-
tent here I shall be overjoyed to see
Austin, is he come home?"
No: it is Costardo that desires to see
you, you must come to him. Mr.. Edgerton
is with him."
A sigh escaped her lips. Gonsalvo
noticed her and said, quietly
You are troubled, child, in an hour
when you should rejoice. Tell me whom
do you lover"
I" Austin" she reiterated, with com
posure. Father, it is Austin whom ]
sigh for"
He made an effort to rise as footsteps
sounded on the gallery, and Austin, with
excited face, entered. Gonsalvo almost
tainted away Camilla pretended sur
prise and ran forward. He gasped: =
"Ohi God my son my SON."
My love! my love! f" repeated Ca
militia.
And Austin gently placed her on a
chair, and sat beside her. Nance Holk
entered behind Austin, as if sent on an
errand to Gonsalvo = the latter invited
her to seat, as he anticipated the plot
/ too well.
No word was spoken for some time
! The old man was excited and feVerish
/ Camilla was anxious and in doubt. Aus
tin was stern, aud general gloom settled
/ over all Camilla broke the spell, and
said, with emotion:
! " Father, have you not forgiven Aus
| tin. He has come back to make US all
happy again = speak to him, and tel
! him how much sorrow we have known
since he went away. Tell him be is for
given, and is welcome to remain with US
| do, father?"
But he spoke not lie had grown sick
at heart, and utterance was denied him.
! Camilla turned to Austin.
g Do, Austin, speak = father is weak
aud overcome by your presence, he ha
suffered much during your absence, anc
is sorry for the past; ask his pardon, anC
we shall all be happy we shall all low
your
:" may not ask pardon from the dead
| never wronged them" solemnly observed
Austin. I" Father is dead"
/" Father?"
Yes, dead; he cannot give pardon
but to them who wronged him, and h
has refused Ere he died he left an in
ventry of all he had = details of his in
juries received, and by whom; they ar
here recorded"
Camilla moved forward quickly, am
supported her faintiug father. His eye
glared ghastly upon Austin, who held 10 hi
hand yellow and time-worn parchment
which proved~to be the stolen will he ha'
long treasured as his own, till suddenly
disappeared from the small casket in hi
private room, and the picture of Silyi
placed instead. One wild and terrific,
look did he give at the relic of his brother
and swooned away.
Austin watched his features with grin
and quiet satisfaction; then replaced tn
document 10 his bosom and waited for al
| h0ur- - sinns nf nnscinusnPes rclurncl