The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1872-03-15

/ She read all of the war news,
scanned eagerly the list of the
dead, shuddering lest his name
shold appear in the black-bordered
column .z -szsl5s- 5zE -ssss
IS Months went by and no news
from John. Then after long
time they heard of a brave soldier
fighting recklessly, daringly; of
swift promotion. But the months
glided into years and tho years
grew terrible, for John never sent
a single line, nor a single word.
Kitty had married, and little
Frank Lee (named for his father)
was the autocrat of her household.
Agnes had become sad-faced
woman, the blue eyes shining soft
and pleasant, with a far-aWay, ten
der look, lying in their depths.
Kltty's youngest sister, Mollie, a
dashing, petted little creature of
lsixteen, was spending the winter at
Kitty's home. y. - 80. --..--..
ooh, we are to have such a asplen-
did time, ," she was saying, "and the
lion of the evening is to be Mr..
Langdon." r
" Iangdon ?" said Kitty, quickly
glancing at Agnes.
Langdon, involuntarily repeat
led Agnes, her face pallid, and her
! lips growing white. --zs
81 I" Yes, Colonel. Langdon. The
bravest of men-a real hero, like
one reads of in novels. He's been
travelling in Europe since the war.
The girls are all crazy, he is such
a catch. I say, Kitty, Pm going to
set my cap for him. It's something
worth while. Now, cousin Agnes,
[ want you to be Cinderella,
and stay in the kitchen. I have
noticed that that quiet way of yours
is dreadfully taking among the gen
tlemen. But Pm bound this time to
get. ahead of you," and the merry
gia went skipping away.
Agnes sighed, and cast a look in
to the mirror, at the white face re-
fected there, and thought how IA
ded it must appearby the side of so |
many younger and fresher ones.
go The party swas a success. While |
the guests were coming in, Agnes sat
with her eyes resting upon the door,
with her hand upon her heart, wait
ing for the appearance of the man
whom she desired to see above all |!
others. rf .-s -sa -r.
At last the announcement came,
Colonel Langdon! >
A blue coat, with epualets on the
shoulders-an empty sleeYe-a
great form towering a head above
all others in the room-a bearded
brown face, and Agnes knew that
this was John. Yes, the same old
John, to whom she had once been
so dear.
Awkward John was smiling pleas
antly, shaking hands with old
and becoming acquainted
with new ones. 81 trF .-.H
Agnes saw Kitty take him by the
arm-felt him coming. The hot
blood rushed to her face then left
it white as death.
agnes. an old friend" said the
arch Kitty, g Colonel Langdon."
As she placed her hand within !
his, hers trembled, his was firm.
Very happy" said Colonel Lang
don, ''to meet Mrs. Dermot, after SO |
many years. .--... -.
"Dermot'' grasped Agnes.
"YOu mistake, john" said Kitty !
"Agnes has never mar
ried," and the little lady turned !
away, fancying she had made things
quite smooth between them.
Not so, however. Agnes felt
and the Colonels easy
manner deserted him he was en-
and an awkward 81 lence fol
lowed A merry group spied him,
and he was presently whis ked away.
Agnes sat near a Wi-a6ow, her
white face laid back against the
crimson hangings. The Colonel
would glance toward her now and
then, with troubling exr ,ression in
his eyes then devote hi mself with
renewed energy to the beauties that
surrounded him.
"Isn't he splendid?'' said Mol
lie, the next M orning. "Agnes, you
sly creature, you never told us that
you knew Colonel II angdon and
last night proved that you and he
were old chums.q J declare I'm
quite jealous" I" W. .f-
'sNo need, my def4r," said Agnes
'tit Is an acquaintance
that terminated yea rs ago"
"Oh dear Mol ie, said Kitty, sud
denly, "I want yOu up stairs mo-
ment. Agnes dear will you mind
Frankie2" AMI the door closed just
as Colonel Langdon came in.
Agnes blr4shed, ILittys maneuver
was 50 trf snsparent.
There was so much between these
two, AID yet they could say so lit
tie. e is so difficult to go back and
take >, up the familiarity ended be-
tw cen friends years before.
The Colonel declared it to be q
very fine day. Agnes smilngly as
sented. ---l
"a fine party last night he said.
eyes, said Agnes, stroking Fran
he's hair. = l e5-#
The Colonel turned to couple OF
vases, filed with flowers standing
on the table. Rosebuds In one
geraniums in the other.
'.Ah," he said coloring, "soms one
is fond of rosebuds, and some one
of geraniums."
eyes, volunteered little Frank,
''the rosebuds are Cousin Agnes; the
geraniums are Aunt Mollie's. COus-
| in Agnes don't like geraniums.
/ "And does she, like rOsebuds?
asked the Colonel eagerly.
80, ever so much. She's got 8
lisAAIo La &c rnn al dr;nd m that