The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-12-09

~ ~ OF TouR

On a bright, clear night 10 the iAt-
ter part of December Of the year 1868,
two lovers might have been observed
bv INV one who bad the curiosity to
neep into the window Of Squire Nor
tons residence. on the principal
street of the village Of Barton
They sat by the FIRE chatting gaily-
The young man, We vii call him
Malcolm Carlyle, for tie reason that
that is not bis name, was relating his
experience with, and the trials and
p~riTations suffered blythe Army OF the
Potomac.
A tall, handsome fellow, with black
hair and eyes, straight as an arrow,
and 3 face which wore the daredevil
look Of one who was frequently
brought face TO face with danger,
was Malcolm Carlyle.
Wounded and home on a furlougb,
nothing Was more natural than that
he should spend bis evenings with bis
old friend and schocl-mate Marion
Morton.
Marion was a small, delicate girl,
The deep blue Of nose eyes and the
luxurianee Of whose chestnut ringlets
were the envy of the village maidens.
Her face had a lock Of purity aud
patient resignation that would have
made her a Fit model from which an
artist might paint a Madonna or an
Erangeline.
Malcolm was to rejoin bis regi-
meut on the following day. As be rose
10 90 be said:
Before ! say goodbye, Marion,
/ want to ask you for something, or
rather three things in one. A curl
from this abundance, . and be laid his
band caressiBgly on the fair head,
aan occasional letter and-a kiss"
The girl made no answer but kept
her eyes steadily On the carpet, as
though its bright figures possessed a
N ore than ordinary interest.
"Then ] viii take silc nee for con-
sent. sweetheart" be said, drawing
her to him and raising her face for
the expected kiss. The deadly palor
on the girls face surprised him.
Can it be that you love me
Marion 2" Taking her in his arms be
seated her beside him en- the sofa.
u didn't think you could love a poor
devil ike me-"
Then was told the old, old story
tbst is ever new, followed by all
the most approved Of modern love
VOWS.
The night had grown into the wee
sma' hours avant the twal," when
Malcolm took his departure, linger.
ing on the doorstep for a last kiss
and to make a parting vow.
Malcolm returned 10 his regiment,
and Marion returned to her house
hold cares with a merry heart aud a
happy light in her deep blue ewes;
eagerly she scanned the papers for
the latest news from the field Ct bat
tie, the long lists of dead and wound
ed had c new interest to her.
At last came the news of the battle
Of the Wilderness, and one Of the first
names on the list Of killed was that
Of Malcolm Carlyle. He had been
shot while driving in the enemy's
pickets the paper said.
Following on this came the news
of Lees surrender at Appomattox.
The war was over. and the bows in
llue came marching homo, glad %
ie relieved from wars turmoils and
Fivaiions and 20 be allowed 10 re-
sume the duties Of peaceful citizen
ship.
There was great rejoicing 10 Bar
son the DAY that what was lcf Of Der
gallant ltte band. that bad marched
forth % Uncle Abo's call. came back
io iheirmouutain home arches were
thrown across The streets flags were
iung % the breeze from every house
top a dinner. aud a speech, that
prevailing weakness Of the American
nation, bad been prepared the streets
were ihrongcd with people dressed
a. Tor q holiday. Marion appeared
with the rest bFavely attempting TO.
% what she could 20 make the home
coming oftbe veterans pleasant.
As she stood listening 10 the well
come address, a far-away look stole
into her ewes, the forms in front Of
her grew dim and indistinct, she
thought Of another who hal gone
forth with this company. she saw
a lowly grave amid the Wilderness OF
Virginia, and her heart was filed
with a longing to cover it with violets
and roses.
What is the matter Marion ~
asked her mother in q kindly tone.
Are you sick? Your cheeks are as
pale as death You had better go
home and III down."
Glad Tor any excuse that would
free her from he crowd and leave
her alone Wi.h her W thoughts,
Marion returned to her owa room
and gave vent to her feelings in
tears.
In the years which have come and
gone since then Marion had many
s%uitors, none of whom met with any
encouragement She went on in her
quiet way, doing what she could to
Tighten the labors Of her mother and
to relieve the necessities of the poor
Of the village. She has grown roun-
der and more womanly since we have
seen her, but the same look ofpatient
resignation still fingers on her face.
In the latter part Of the year 1865
Mr.. Morton went south TO attend to
some business, and thinking that it
might do Marion good, took her with
him.
Christmas eve Marion. Captain
Warren and Mr. Morton sat 10 the
parlor Of the Crescent Hotter in the
city Of Atlanta
The nartr lad bcen falkinr oi