Middletown transcript., 1876-04-01
Selett STORY.
NORTH AND SOUTH.
A STORY FOUFDED ON FACT.

The sun was pouring flood Of burn
ing rays upon the parched earth. l
was noon tide on hot July day in th'
summer of '63 Everywhere through
out the beautiful State Of Virginia wa
seen sorrow and desolation the foo
prints oe cruel civil war were traced
wherever the eye.could turn
A quiet cottage stood back from ths
road side, its vine covered porch re-
freshing its inviting shadow. No beau
tsous harvest field stretched out before
ones gaze to gladden. the heart with
Righteousness, but the uncultivated land
spoke a sad state of household and
country. All was barren, all was uu.
cared for save this tiny cottage; and
before its door the summer flower
bloomed. and a grove of young pine
trees gave grateful coldness and plea.
SAINT shade
At this hour. when man and animal
were seeking refuge from the heat Of
the day, an officer in the national uni
form might have been seen slowly rid
ing up the road His face was pale,
his bearing disspirited and weary.
Catching a glimpse of the white cot
tage, faint smile lit up his features,
and. riding up to the little gate. be dis
mounted and tied his horse. To an
swer to bis knocking. an old colored
woman cautiously opened the door. and
perceiving that her visitor was a SOL
dier deprecatingly exclaimed:
"Now marster, do you 60 long! No
body here but jist lone women, and
muffin to spare to eat!'
well, aunty," said the young man
family, you speak plainly, to be sure
bu,l could not move on if l would; I
am both tired and ILL., But give me a
glass Of milk, and I will rest here
awhile in the shade"
..Well," said the old woman reluc-
tantly, II suppose it must be so; but
deed faint much fudsr to de next
house. Mrs. Vernon is i'll, and Miss
amt no great friend to blue coats"
20 Aunt Lucy !" exclaimed rich,
clear voice. when did Miss Elsie
ever refuse refreshment to one 90 ex-
hausted as this poor man appears ?"
And young girl sprang to the door
just in time to help Aunt Lucy to lead
the fainting form to an armchair near
BY.
She threw cold water over his brow,
and chafed his nerveless hands, think
ing the while. my enemy because my
country's foe; but be has noble coun-
tenance."
In q minute he had revived sufi-
GENTLY to drink a glass Of water pre-
sented to him by the now attentive ser
want. who. taking her cue from her
young mistress, was now very much
interested 10 bis comfort.
Il must apologize for intruding upon
your Kindness" said the young officer.
my regiment is about two miles away
10 the woods below; our supplies have
been cut off. and. not having been we'll
for some days, concluding l needed
better food than the coarse army fare,
I started off to find some farm house
near by, where I could purchase some
provisions. 1t seems but thiply settled.
and riding further than I intended, the
heat overcame me. However, l shall
not remain longer than necessary. and
I beg, Miss. you will not let me disturb
you at all; your woman tells me you
have sickness in your household"
YES" answered Elsie sadly. "my
mother is suffering invalid, and, with
the exception Of our two servants, we
are alone. My father and brother are
in the Confederate service" (Her face
aushed) but you must have rest and
refreshment cannot permit you to
depart while you are so weak and faint -
And Elsie cast compassionate glance
at the strangers pale face.
Elsie assisted Aunt Lucy to spread
the little table. and they soon had a
simple repast in readiness, composed Of
milk. bread and honey.
1T is q sorry refreshment." said the
young girl. regretfully, "but all we can
offer you. Our land has been laid waste;
we have no one to till what remains,
and very little stands between US and
actual want"
Her emotions being beyond control,
she hurriedly left the room. and shortly
after be heard her voice in an outer
room conversing with the old woman.
The plain, cooling food was just wba:
the young man needed. and as he partnok
Of the food before him his mind dwelt
admiringly upon his young hostess
Il do believe" said be, "I never
saw sweeter, sadder face. Such per.
feet brown eyes! What rich, sweet
voice! am sorry she looks upon me
as an enemy"
Glancing around the room. his eyes
fell upon photograph album. Rising,
be opened it. and hurridly ran over the
pages until bis eyes fell upon the pic
ture Of Elsie. How different from the