The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-10-16
And he kissed her again and again, while

che murmuied>-
"God bless and preserve you, my ow
darling will.'
As no went down the broad steps, b
turned and guzed earnestly into those sad
fearful eyes, and then was gone.
, One pleasant February afternoon, Will
Elsie and her brother -in.law, Herbert Ray
mond, were waiting for the carriage, SET
vant entered tia room bearing some letter
and Few packages
Among them were letter and sma
package siperscriled in bold dashini
hand, familiar to Elsie. Tearing open th
wrappings. she exclaimed-
ooh darling" and then To Herbert
"i.ook. brother. isnt he dear, hondsom
Will?' holding up the picture for him 4
see. and in her childish enthusiasm she kis
sed il again and again.
When she had exhausted every endear
ing epilhet over il, unl given him q sum
mary OF the contents OF tho contents OF th
letter. Herbert asked
"Arc YOU ready now for our ride, It'll
sister The carriage is at the door,
lie gracefully handed her tn the carriag'
and assisted her in, and after giving th,
driver directions, seated himself beside
her.
Tie entertained her by giving short sketch
es Of life in Paris aud London, where b,
had spent the past two proceeding years
and Elsie laid before him hers and will'
plans for housekeeping, and in her nrtlcs
manner she said
"And you, brother, must come and liv'
with US when darling viii comes home
I'VE have had such a pleasant ride
papa" she commenced, upon returning to
the parlor but glancing ut his face, and
seeing sad,lened look oversprea,ling his
features, she exclaimed--' oh I! pl, what is
iif Has anything happened to WIFI" and
yrasping the paper he held IN his hand, heI
eyes iell upon the words, Fort Donelsor
10 ours" anil in tho list Of killed almos
the tirst was the one dear name, Capt. w
T.. Raymond.
"Oh ! darling. Oh! God! !" she cx
claimed. and sank down.
Herbert caught her fainting form, ant
placed her upon sofia, while Judge Yer
non rang the bell for assistance.
'Oh Elsie, daughter speak to me 2" h'
moancd, ms he chafed her cold hands, ant
gazcd into the face 30 like the loved ON,
that for years had slept under the tangled
grass.
iierber, paced tho floor with face al
most as white a. the pillow on the sofa.
Al last consciousness returned to Elsie
and making an effort to rise, she said
"Pa, I am going To him."
"lmpossible, daughter. You could new
or reach there"
aBu, perhaps he is only wounded she
replied.
"a wish Iconld hope so, daughter" re-
piled her father, shut II is too true. II Il
hard, bu, il must be borne, dear daughter
The little hands pressed convulsively
over the breaking heart, and in agony she
spoke the name Of God.
81 will go and bring him home," said
Herbert. and after few words in consul
tation with Judge Vernon, he stopped and
kissed tho white brow oi Elsie, and was
gone.
Another company had assembled in the
--church. But there was no merry
pealing Of the chimes, no glad voices and
happy smiles. A procession moved down
the asisle to the measure Of the slowly toll
ing hell and paused before the altar.
Elsie was in the procession, but no bridal
wreath decked her brow, and instcud OF the
silvery veil the sables encircled her form.
And where was he? Oh! could il be that
no who one short month ago stood before
that altar, was now enshrined within that
narrow caskct? Could il be thar the hand
which so warmly clasped over hers was
folded nerveless and still over the motion
less heart-ihe heart which had 80 truly
,hrobbed for his country aud for herr
Old men. whose eyes were unused to
tears, turned away to weep as they saw
that young widowed form bending over
and carcssing the inaninate form Of her
husband.
The last fond alieu was given, and the
casket lid shut out from her view the loved
features forever. The same voice that pro.
nounced the marriage ceremony now said
in accents Of woe. "Earih to earth, dust to
dust" And amid the boom OF musketry.
with tears and soils, they laid the young
hero down to sleep upon his dreamless pill.
low.
Days Of dclrinm succeeded the funeral,
and the life Of Elsie Raymond hung upon n
thread. Hut although the misis Of the
shodowy lands seemed gathering around
her, and the waters Of The deep dark river,
on whose iarher shores lies that vast un.
known region over whose gates OF ame-
thyst aud pearl is written .Eternity," al.
mos, touched her feet, the 'palc boalman"
passed her by.
Months came and went, and Elsie slow
" rcgained her health. Since she had 80
lar recovered as to he able to ride, Herbert
hal been her constant attendant. Almost
every pleasant evening they visited together
the spot censecruted To her lost loved oncs
drramless sleep
Asthey were slowly returning ono cvo-
ming Elsie noticed lierbert's silent abstract.
ed manner, and softly inquired
"what troubles YOU, bro,her?"
Il am going into the army" he replied;
",herc is another call for troops and am
going. Will you miss me, little sister!'
"Oh. brother, ,lo no, 70. DO not leave
mel she pleaded. ii shall DO 80 lonely
without you."
But she pleaded in vain. A regiment
was forming, and his name was registered
upon the roll rs Lieutenant Herbert Ray.
mond. And 30, with the kiss Of Elsie yet
warm upon his lips. he went boldly forth
to battle with his country's foes, and to
avcngc his brother death.
Time passed wearily enough to Elsie,
bu, almost every week brought her a letter
from "dear brother Herbert, and this was
a source Of much comfort to her.
"Vicksburg has iallen!" flashed over the
talcgraphic wires all over the country, and
OH how many noble lives have fallen too.
All, dear heaven. How can we apprcci-
ate highly enough our blood.bought victo.
ries.
"Nicksburg has fallen," said Judge Yer
non, entering the room where Elsie sat
reading: and upon looking into his face she
saw al"ost the same look there she had
seen once h-iorc: ior by his courteous,
gent,c'nany conduct lierhert Raymond had
hal become great favorite with Judge
! ves,us, and ss.,ine Elsie's .,..r lD,L ~