The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1879-12-12
,IIAITER II.

CHAPTER II.
Years fitted BY was "a; l had fought
through the great rebelion-enteredt the army
as private and came out captain, shattered
in health, and utterly depleted in pocket, tc
find myself at home again. i'll and altogether
distrustful of fortunes smile.
In my frequent walks to the village post
office | often passed by the old red school
house, and never without a sigh of regret fol
the many happy, care-free days spent within
its shattered walls.
Among the letters handed to me one morn.
ing was one postmarked New York, which
informed me ofthe agreeable fact that through
the instrumentality of friend of mine whom
he was anxious to serve the undersigned Mr.
Maxwell, had been induced to extend to me q
commercial opening at the liberal salary OF
$4,000 year, to be increased if Inherited. There
was fortune for me in the offer, and accepted
it with alacrity.
Mr.. Maxwell, rich New York merchant
from the first took a lively interest in my adj
vancement. The unknown friend could not
account for in any other way than by suppos-
ing it to be some soldier comrade whom had
betrended in the past
Within month | was fairly established at
my new post of duty and succeeded in pleas
of my second year he sent me to Europe in
the interest of the house, When | returned
| was given weeks vacation, which | spent
among the breezy hills of my old country
home, passing the pleasant September days in
tramping through the woods and fields and
byways that were chosen haunts of my boy
hood.
| was Just turning the curve in the road
where the Canada thistles grew, and so lost in
my walking reverie, that was almost OPP
posite lady standing in their midst, before l
was aware of her presence
&c am glad you still love the old scenes, Mr.
Durand," she said, without expressing the
least surprise.
was astonished. Here was lady whom
to the best of my knowledge had never seen
before, addressing me as familiarity as if we had
known each other all our lives.
"Names are treachcrous things, and if |
were ever so fortunate as to have known
yours, l am guilty of having forgotten il" |
replied.
Men forget easily, am told, but had
hoped to find you an exception to the rule"
Avery awkward silence on my part ensued.
She took pity on my evident embarrassment,
and continues
Has your battle with the world entirely
driven from your recollection all the old school
faces? ?"
Her voice dropped to its old sweet, clear,
winning cadence, thrilling my whole being
with delight
/" AdeltnG :"
l caught her hand and before knew what
was doing had carried it up to my lips and
kissed it,
Excuse mt" stammered; "but lam so
glad to see you, and you seem just the same
| n
taller, not a bit older-only Adelna, always
lovely and always loved"
Then told her all about myself, how pros
porous | was, and the strange manner in which
| had been brought to the notice of my kind
employer. When had finished, she merely
said in her simple way:
al know it."
You appear to know everything. Doyou
know Mr.. Maxwell ?"
"He is my father"
And my unknown friend"
"Adelna."
staggered back, in my soul ashamed that
/ should owe every good in life-cverything-
to woman who owed me nothing but the
poor favor of once having united for her a
wretched white and black worsted hood l
turned away, cut to the heart, but she put out
a OBTAINING hand
- Don go, MT. DuTanu-llaJ is, uOn l go
feeling hurt for it would make me very UNI
happy if you were to go away angry with me. "
Unhappy What am l. that pain to me
should render you unhappy" answered
bitterly.
AZ knew of no other way in which to ex-
press my gratitude"
" Gratitude for what ?" The question was
rudely abrupt, but she took no notice of my
ungracious speech.
"Gratitude for the kindness given me long
ago, and which have missed ever since the
day we parted here by the roadside"
care you conscious of what it is you are
saying, Adelinaw
Perfectly"
How am to understand your words? ?"
THAT leave to your good judgment" she
smiled, lowering her eyes
She had an instant illustration ofmy "good
judgment" in tbe way imprisoned her two
little hands in,Both of mine, and kissed the
sweet mouth for its shyly whispered promise
walked home with Adelna-oh, so happy,
and when | asked her of Mr. Maxwell, lie
said:
81 have anticipated your request by keep
ing you under my eye formore than two years.
Adelina is the best and truest girl in the world,
but believe you to be as worthy of her as
any man living, and give her to you, confident
that you know how to prize the treasure you
have Won"
And so, not long thereafter, married AIDE
lima, the love of my boyhood, and the crown
ing glory of my later years