Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-05-23
Love aud Theft.
BIZ CARL BRENT.


Franklin Coulter, dry goods clerk,
joined as private one of the first New
York regiments that volunteered for the
suppression of the rebellion. In the
course of service he won the rank Of
second lieutenant, then that of first
lieutenant. and finally q brevet cap.
taincy.
Toward the close OF the war his regi-
ment was encamped at small village
of Virginia guar ding q depot of sup.
plies. 1t was an easy and pleasant ser
vice, and both officers and men delight
ed in it.
Besides the village, which had only
been depopulated of it's young men,
there we're several fine plantations in
the neighborhood, the property of fam
lilies that had been wealthy and were
still proud.
The young ladies Of the village and
the plantations, although they grieved
for those who we're away, could not be
expected to devote their entire time to
that employment. aud We're not unwill-
ing to be consoled by their conquer.
ors, who exerted themselves to provide
all manner OF amusement. so that time
should not hang heavy on their hanGs.
At the plantation which was nearest
the village. Frank Coulter was a great
favorite and q constant visitor.
II was the home of the Penohyn,, a
family Of English descent, highly con-
sidered in the neighborhood. At that
time the family was reduced to Mrs.
Penohynand her two dang hters, Ada and
Augusta, her husband being dead, and
her only son in Lees army. The
younger of the daughters, Augusta,
was Frank Coulter's choice. .-
She WAS a beautiful brunette, pc.
culiarly susceptible to the charms OF a
manly presence, and had been too young
at the opening OF the war to claim a
sweetheart among the young men who
went to fight. .pfe t. -,-f-
At the Penohyns' Frank Coulter spent
most of his spare time, his agreeable
manners making him welcome to all
the family. and there was no doubt that
he was devoted to Augusta. It was
evident. also, to those who observed
closely, that she was ready to recipro-
cate his affection whenever he should
choose to declare it. But no words of
love had as yet passed between them,
and it is probable that Coulter felt that
the uncertainties of war did not Justify
him in making the desired declaration.
One evening he had staid at the Peno
hyns' until it was quite late, and was
requested to remain ell night, as he had
r.
consented, and retired to his room at a
reasonable hour, as he would be obliged
to leave very early in the morning.
Augusta Penohyn remained seated on
the porch alone, enjoying the beauty OF
the summer night, and admiring the
moonlight as it was filtered through the
vines. She was also thinking of the
handsome young Union soldier who
had lately left her side, wondering
whether he really loved her, and wish
ing, if he did, that he would declare
himself and end her suspense.
From this reverie she was aroused by
the sound Of q light football. Turning
her head, she saw Frank Coulter ap.
preaching her. He had removed his
coat and boots, but this partial undress
Was neither unusual nor Questionable
- the nights were very warm, and h.
was An intimate friend. ~.,-
He did not seem to be looking at Au
gusta indeed, his eyes were strangely
fixed upon vacancy; but he came tC
her side, took her hand, and slowly and
solemnly spoke these words:
"Whatever may happen, Augusta
remember that I love you truly and
faithfully-that my heart is en.irel,
yours"
Then he dropped her hand, turned
quickly, and walked away as swiftly and
silently as he had come, before she could
recover from her surprise or make an,
movement or reply. ,..l ....
To Augusta his conduct appeared
strange, but not unaccountable. She
soon came to the conclusion that b,
was more timid than she had supposed
him TO be-that he had formed sudieI
resolution. - he was about to retire fol
the night, to declare his love-that h,
had mustered courage to come dowr
and speak the words which sha hat
l0nged to hear, and then, frightened b,
his own audacity, had fastened away
before he could learn his fate.
But the thought that he loved hel
was blissful enough for Augusta. Sh,
determined to 60 and dream on it, ant
went mp stairs to her room. There an
other strange surprise awaited her.
A. she reached the open door, sh'
saw q man standing at tue bureau
and by the moonlight she recognized
him as Frank Coulter. He held in hi
hand her watch and chain, which liz
had taken from their place on the Blu
reau. Then he turned, and swiftly LEFT
the room, looking straight ahead as il
he supposed himself to be unseen.
Augusta Penohyn was even more
amazed by this second encounter thar
abe had been by the first. She was SC
astounded that she did not know Il hal
to do or say. She shrank back into the
shadow Of the door, while the youne