The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-06-15
M j s g ella moo us.
Cecile'S Pearls,

1t was during the late rebellion. was
an officer in the Federal service and it
CHANGED, through the fortune of war, that
my command was sent to New Orleans on
special duty.
This duty, to most of us, was not very
pleasant; and we were awaiting eagerly
our summons to another quarter, when
met with rather romantic adventure
Passing down secluded street, late one
evening, was startled by loud shrek,
evidently in woman's voice, followed by
an appeal for help. Darling forward,
preceived in the dim, gray shadows of
twilight, which fell upon all things, the
slender figure of woman, enveloped in a
waterproof cloak, struggling in the grasp
of burly ruGian. 1t was but the work
of moment to deal him blow which
laid him at my feet. lie arose, and with
muttered curses and threats of future ven
geance, to which !, at the time, paid no
heed, considering them but rawlings of an
inebriate, staggered onward. All this time
the woman had stood trembling with terror,
leaning against an adjacent building.
How can ever thank you, sir 2"
1t was low, clear, sweet voice-the un-
mistakable tones of refinement. raised
my hat
'If you will allow me madam" replied,
| will escort you home. 1t is not safe for
ladies to be out alone in these troublous
times"
81 know it," she responded, somewhat
haughtily, "but since your army has
demoralized the city, and forced its citi-
zens to an observance of laws which are
only laws of tyrants-the power of the
stronger over the weaker-since New Or
leans has become what it now is, we are
obliged to submit to much and to many
acts which are repugnant to us"
Size turned away, with aquick, lmper-
ious gesture or disdain, and, ere could
advance step, had vanished down an adj
joining street stood, for q moment, star.
ing blankly in the direction that she had
taken, and, I must confess it, thinking very
much of the soft tones of her voice, and
the bewildering dark eyes with which she
had glanced into my face, while she uttered
her TRADE against the army, to which had
the honor of belonging.
"Whew The little REBEL" exclaimed
half aloud as l turned to move away. Just
then, my eyes fell upon a package living
upon the pavement, and raised it with a
start of surprise. 1t was evidently small
box carefully wrapped in tissue paper
Thrusting it in my pocket started in the
direction which she had taken with faint
hope of overtaking her, but Ihad proceed
ed but few rods when heard my name
called, and glancing around, beheld the
colonel of my regiment.
Major. said he, hurriedly, "report at
once at headquarters. have received i'm
portant news, and wish to see you and
some of the other officers Immediately"
He passed rapidly onward before l could
answer with more than the customary
salute and was lost to sight in the distance.
With feeling of Impotence which l
could not restrain, obeyed my superiors
command, and fastened to Headquarters
Here / soon discovered that we were to
leave New Orleans at once and proceed
northward. Important military move
ments rendered this change imperative.
sought my own quarters, and proceed
cd to examine the little package. Re-
moving the numerous strings and wrap
pings, a small box stood revealed. With
an odd sensation at my heart, raised the
lid. Within the enclosure, upon bed of
white satin, there rested magnificent set
of pearls, bearing the inscription in old
English letters:
| "CECILE TREMAINE, FROM HER FATHER"
My heart filled with pity for the young
girl, whom l felt convinced, was Cecile