Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-09-11
M 4 X 4 L N.

wounded boy from New Hampshire
regiment; we, volunteer nurses in charge
of wards L, +, and G, fractional parts OF
the great Jaggers hospital. Why our
little town of SounIside was selected as
the site of Jaggers, nobody knew. Hos
pitfalls in those days came and went 'un-
sought, unsent," like love-or measles
and were planted haphazard in unlikely
spots. Soundside was most unlikely
spot, but none the less were we glad and
proud of being chosen. Scraping lint and
making sanitary jelly had of itself been
counted privilege, but how infinitely
greater when the recipients thereof lay at
our very door, and we with our own eyes
could watch our offerings applied and
enjoyed.
A certain show of discipline was kept
up at the Jaggers, but in reality we did
pretty much as we pleased. There WAS
little plan about our work, no leadership.
We blundered on as best we might. But
the air worked with us, and the blessed
Summer, good will took the place of
training, and fair proportion OF our in
valids recovered.
Martins wound was in the arm near
the shoulder. For some time the doctor
hoped to save the limb. He bore all pain
bravely. | never saw him give way till
one morning when he was told that his
arm must go. Then for the first time he
broke down.
Dear Martin, l am sorry for you"
81 don't grudge my arm. I'm no,
sorry l enlisted. Don't think so for &
minute," he sobbed, long pauses between
the words. 1t isn't that" Then he hid
his face again.
1t was not until the next evening, wher
the amputation was successfully over
that we learned the meaning of his unex
planned "thnt." The convaescents hac
hobbed out to supper, and the ward was
still. Martin lay on his pillows, white
and bloodless, but very composed and
peaceful.
Don't fan me any longer. 1t will
tire you" Always he was the most con-
siderate of those about him.
81 am not bit tired. Don't you re,
member poor Riley's guessing that
was meant for tanning machine ?"
81 thought perhaps while the rest werC
away, you'd write letter for me-"
Certainly. Shall it be now ?" and
fetched my portfolio and inkstand.
He nodded without speaking; then af-
ter moments silence and with visible
effort, began:
"DEAR Lucy You will feel badly
about what | have to tell you. Yesterday
the doctor said my arm must come off,
and this morning he has done it. | am
glad it isn't the right arm, for ] shall be
better able to get living, and in many
ways shall miss it less. But it's pretty
hard at best, and makes a difference. |
feel that it's right for you to know about
it, and give you chance TO say if you
want to take back your promise. If you
do, you are free, of course. i expect |
know what you will say, but L would
rather wait for your letter before telling
it. Write soon, dear Lucy, for / shall
be looking out until you do. 1t seems to
me as if loved you more than ever, tho
I've only one arm to help along with
"Why, Miss Agnes, what is that? for
a great tear has fallen on the paper and
blurred the ink. You're not crying be-
cause of me, are you ?"
"Crying for Lucy, Martin. She'll be
so sorry, but so proud Of you too"
"Do you think so ?" smiling for the
first time since the day before.
"Think so ?" am sure Of it,"
He smiled again, finished the letter
and lay calmly for while. Then:
"Tell me again, Miss Agnes. You
don't think it will make difference ?"
A certain disquiet was apparent in his
voice, as there had been while he dictated
the brave sentences Of his letter.
" You see," he went on, "she is only
seventeen, and so pretty don't sup
pose you ever saw anybody as pretty as
she is. All the young fellows in our
parts wanted her, and / was so proud and
SO happy. It'll come hard after having
the pick Of the country around, to take
up with one-armed husband don't you
think so ?"
For answer told Of the English maid
en- who, when her sailor lover wrote to
say that he had come out Of an engage
ment minus an arm and both legs, and
offered to release her from her promise,
made reply: $50 long as enough Of
your body is left to hold your soul, 1 am
content and am yours"
"Do you think an American is going
to be behind an English girl in matter
like that 2" / concluded.
Martin was reassured. He slept well
that night and the next, and the doctor
looked bright. We did all that was pos
,ible-fed, guarded, watched and mo-
nently grew more hopeful. He did not
again alude to Lucy" but there was
,agerness in his eyes at post-time, and
we, his nurses, felt impatient TO have the
interval pass and the answer come. We
aid to each other, When once he hears
rom her it will be all right; his mird
will be easy and he will get well fast"
On the afternoon of the third day was
,alled out Somebody wanted me-" /
aid down my fan and went out into the
,all. A brown, wiry little person in
'duster" stood waiting on the doorstep.
Is it here that Sergeant Martin Of the
Third New Hampshire Regiment is ?"
They told me Ward G, over there" in
icatng with gesture the main building.