Richland beacon., 1875-07-24

lovely curls and a beautiful figure.
| wonder whether this name is tict-
cious? but | know it is Claude
looked musingly On the dainty card
he held.
as marble impressible?' ~ laughed
Harold, as he noted his prcoccuPied
manner; and Claude Joined in the
laugh.
Probably have been waiting to
find her; felt this morning that |
was nearing an important crisis in
my life, and now it appears in the
shape Of bouquet, or rather, golden
curls and laughing eyes.
When Claude reached Chattanooga
the expcdiency of sending a note Of
thanks occurred to him, and one after
another was written ere he was
satisfied with its import.
II will not tell Harold, he would
only laugh at me; for Of course
will not get reply. ! know she did
not sign her real name"
Notwithstanding Claudc's express
sions, when, after a few days they
were ordered to Knoxville, prcpara-
tory to the Kentucky campaign, there
was none more anxious for the distri-
button of the bulky mail, than was
he, and his heart gave q leap of
eXultatiOn when letter was handed
him tearing the post mark of Marietta,
Ga. lie read again and again the
dainty letter; it was beautifully
written, breathing throughout unal-
loyed patriotism and pure ennobling
sentiments; its every word stamped
the writer a lady, and one with no
common endowments, while its quaint
savings and original comments often
provoked q smile.
before leaving Kentucky, Claude
had again written, and another letter
had found its way into the little book
kept nearest his heart.
The campaign was busy one, the
army continually in motion, hence
letters were often miscarried, and a
gentle hint of negligence was written
to the fair incOgnita, who with one
glance Of her eye, had come nearer
cnthralling Claude than the most
winsome smiles that had, in days
gone by, been lavishly bestowed on
the petted child Of fortune.
CHAPTER II.
On the evening of the day which
bore Claud and his friend to Chat
tanooga, and as he declared, decided
his fate, group Of five were seated
around the tea table in one of the
most elegant residences in Marietta
a knock at the door and the entrance
of servant interrupted the conversa-
ton which had been briskly going on,
as each related in her way the occur
rences of the day.
"Any letters, Joe? hope we will
hear from papa and Eddie )" and
Leila Lorimer quickly opened the
mail bag handed her. "One for me,
and one for you, mama-whO can it
be from? 1t was mailed in Charles.
ton, but | am not familiar with the
writing" She turned the letter over
looking at it curiously.
1--WE will find out sooner by open
ing it, smiled the mother.
"Sure enough )" and Leila handed
it over. "Mine is from Eddie
Lelias face lighted with pleasure a:
she read its cheerful pagaes, but i
clouded over and her bright eyes fill
ed with tears as she read the last
there would be battle on the NOR
row; would her brother be spared, ol
would he be numbered with the many
who would fall martyrs to thei
principles?
"My letter is from your cousin Eva.
Leila. Her father is dead, and sh,
wishes to come to US she thinks W,
are still at homo-this letter j
forwarded here. Hear what sh
writes:
Dear Amty: l am alone, a
orphan girl, banished from my homo
( because | dare assert the principle
of which l am justly proud. Ah
r how pray the time is not far distan
( when the rights of the South will b
recognized, and the liberty for whic
{ our best and dearest are immolatln
I themselves on the altar of our cour
J, try, will be ours. The South must l
t victorious-surely Justice and Mere
r proclaim against the invaders who al
= waring against women and childre,
Aunt, may | not share your home an
e guardianship until a brighter da
q dawns on our suffering land | kno
V the response your generous heart wi
give, though | await your assurance
J. "Oh, mama! Poor Eva! VIII
!. will you do, write her to come hon
e at once Z"
l. "Yes, she does not know that v
too are exiles All! the cloud no
= hanging over US has not vet spent i
| deadliest dart. | shudder to thiI
e what will be our portion when
Il does. | will write to Eva. to-nigt
}. though, to come on here as soon
d possible. ! know not how long Y
will have q home, but so long as v
/" have, it is hers also; it is best for
all to be together; we will be strong
l. to bear what is in store for us, thou;
II what that is a merciful Father SHE
IS from our view"
N Two weeks have passed; it
a evening again Leila Lorimer and
n younger sister are equipped for rid
q the carriage is waiting at the door
Il. take them to the Station, whittier tn
le are going to meet their cousin W
is expected tonight. They have
I'd escort but feel perfectly safe unt