The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-03-18

Confederates.
The weary war was over Peace at last
stretched her snowy wings over our sor-
rowful country. Peace We joyfully
spoke the sweet word to each other, but
the tears still ran down the faces of those
to whom peace had come too late. 1t was
June, and smiling field and bursting flower
greeted Captain Bertrand as he rode slow
ly up the same road he had travelled three
years before. In camp, on tented field,
in battle-strite, the sweet, pure face of
Elsie Vernon had come before his vision
as he saw her last, his good kind angel
True to promise he had made to him
self three years before, he was seeking her
with a faint hope that she might yet live
unwooed and unwon. In an earnest dream
Of the future, he found he had ridden up
to the same little cottage. Was it the
same? No flowers in the little garden,
no creeping vines over the doorway, and
the air of refinement and culture had van
ished.
Captain Bertrand's heart sank, for he
felt that Elsie could not live there. Just
then tow-headed urchin came running
out Of the door, and the gentleman asked
"Who lives here ?"
Why, we does, Of course !" the little
fellow answered.
Where does the lady reside who lived
here three years ago2"
"Guess l don't member; but here is
Granny, and she most knows everything"
And the boy looked up to the window,
where an old woman's head had Just ap-
peared.
In answer to inquiries, the young man
learned that Elsie's mother had died two
years before. Shortly after that, her
father and brother had fallen in battle,
and Elsie, leaving the home so sorrowful
to her now, had gone into the village a
mile away and had taught school there
until quite lately; but her health had given
way, and her friends thought that the last
of the Vernons would gil an early grave.
The captain thanked his informant and
road toward the village thinking, sadly
Poor little girl What weary, sad
life she has had | fear she will not
regard me favorably-so much cause she
has had to hate the uniform have worn. "
1t was sunset when he reached the out
skirts of the little village. Quaint and
ivygrown, the little village church rose
before him. The small cemetery, well
kept by careful, loving hands, deserved
at least passing notice. He leaned upon
the fence, and his eye roved idly about
until it rested upon black-robed figure
seated upon grave near by. Her fair
hair rippled to her waist her face was
upturned to watch the goldsn sunset, and
the gentleman looked on, gazed entranced
at the beautiful picture, recognizing gladly
that it was the woman he was seeking.
Opening the gate to attract her attention,
he walked straight up to her Igi II
"Miss Vernon ?" She bowed
You do not recognize me ?"
"There is familiar look in your face"
starting slightly. II is-'lua -
eyes, It's the officer to whom you gave
Refreshments and warning three summers
ago." interrupted the gentleman.
al am glad to see you, sir. have
often wondered if you were still alive
the fortunes Of war are so hard" n
Elsie shivered in the summer evening.
"Ahp said Bertrand, sympataizingly,
ITO you they were. ] have heard your
sad story from the occupant of your former
home, where I happened to stop to-day.
Let me hope, Miss Vernon, that it has
not given you feeling of bitterness to-
ward those who fought on tho other side. "
"Ah, mol" said Elsie, gently. II
know that on both sides men fought for
consciences sake. It makes very little
difference now to mel shall soon be with
those / love-"
s Captain Bertrand sighed as he thought
she wore the face almost Of an angel now,
SO pale and spiritual had she grown.
81 am glad,p he said "you have re-
membered Inc. / feared / had faded from
your memory" }
"Ahi" she answered, your peril was so
much greater than you knew Your life
would have been forfeited had that rowing
band captured you and one to whom one
has been enabled to show kindness is not
easily forgotten"
aAgain fate has thrown US together
again | am a stranger in strange land,
VIII you not show me one more kindness
in allowing me to visit you occasionally
while / remain in your village?" And
The smile that Illuminated his face could