The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-06-23
Select Sturp.
CECILE'S PEARLS.

1t was during the late rebellion. was
an officer in the Federal service and il
khanced, through the fortune of war, that
by command was sent to New10rleaus on
bpecial duty
This duty, to most of us, was not very
pleasant and we were awaiting eagerly
bur summons to another quarter, when |
pet with a rather romantic adventure.
Passing down secluded street, late one
evening, was startled by loud shrek
Evidently 10 woman's voice, followed by
% appeal for help. Darling forward,
perceived in the dim, gray shadows of
twilight, which fell upon all things, the
Bender figure Of woman, enveloped in a
taterproof cloak, struggling in the grasp
rufhan. II was but the work of a
hOment to deal him blow, which laid
Jim at my feet, He arose, and with NUT
bred curses and threats of future ven
feance, to which |, at the time, paid no
Deed, considering them but the rawlings of
4n iDebriate staggered onward. All this
me the woman had stood trembling with
erOr, leaning against the adjacent building
How can | ever thank you, sir?"
1t was low, clear, sweet voice, the un-
histakable tones Of refinement. l missed
BY hat.
"lf you will allow me, madam" | re-
tied, ~ will escort you home. 1t is not
Afe for ladies to be out alone, in these
foublous times"
al know it, she responded, somewhat
bughtily. "But since your army has
emoralized the city, and forced its citi-
fns to an observance of laws, which are
ply the laws of tyrants--the power Of the
rOnger over the weaker---since New Or
ans has become what it now is, we are
&iged to submit to much and do many
%ts which are repugnant to US
She turned away, with q quick, impe.
fpus gesture of disdain, and, ere | could
vance a step, had vanished down an ad
Dining street. | stood, for moment,
hring blankly in the direction that she
Rd taken, and must confess il, thinking
*ry much Of the soft tones Of her voice,
spd the bewildering dark eyes with which
Re had glanced into my face, while she
: Rtered her TRADE against the army, to
2hlch had the honor of belonging.
" Whew The little rebel" | exclaim-
J half aloud as | turned to move away.
Z <pst then, my eyes fell upon a package
b Aos upon the pavement, aud | raised it
4 tn a start Of surprise. 1t was evidently
fmall box carefully wrapped in tissue
per Thrusting it in my pocket start
4 10 the direction which she had taken
y "a faint hope of oyertaking her; but |
4 ~ proceeded but few rods when
ard my name called, and glancing around,
*Aeld the colonel of my regiment.
bE Major, said he, hnrriedly report at
" Pc at headquarters. l have received
d Portant news, aud wish to see you and
Pc Of the other officers Immediately"
y lie passed rapidly onward before could
! wer with more than the customary sa-
~ {, aud was lost to sight in the distance.
with feeling Of impatience which |
! ID not restrain, | obeyed my superior 5
puands, and hastened to headquarters.
re soon discovered that we we're to
b Se New Orleans at once and proceed
lhward. Important military move
d pts rendered this change imperative.
4 sought my own quarters, and proceed
v 70 examine tie little package. Re-
4, Flng the numerous strings and wrap
small box stood revealed. With
!. Odd sensation at my heart raised the
y, Within the inclosure, upon a bed Of
re satin, there rested magnificent set
"a pearls, bearing the inscription, in old
sh letters "CeciIe 7feRldiRe, from.
Father
= " heart filed with pity for the young
ies' whom | felt convinced was Cecile
~ IT, maine, Where was she going alone so
mi, and with SO costly burden? Who
u A tell what story of want, and woe,
despair it might be in her power to
lne My experience in the war.de.
~ ated South had shown me clearly the
erlng aud poverty and desolation OF
y Of the first and best in the land, aud
- not her errand have been to convert
levels into bread for some suffering
one2 Hard old soldier though
;s ! ielt ths tears start in my eyes.
CO rom that hour determined to pro-
~ The jewels, and, sooner, or later, Ii Il
b" IN the power Of man to do so, would
y them safely to her possession.
W Vt had no time for sentimentaliEing
iSs rmy was already in motion aud my
a was with my command; so, stifinp
.rv 'shs Of regret, | prepared for imme.
ID departure. Taking the pearls,
ID L them carefully into large, leather