The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-05-15

Private Thornley, soon won fer himself
the reputation of being the most deSpe-
rately-laring man in the army. If any
thing particularly dangerous was to be
attempted Thornley, was always sure to
offer his services.
lie never seemed to sleep, and was for
ever p ttting himself in the most pcrilous
places; but do what he would and tempt
fate as he might. nothing harmed him.
Three years of bloodShed, turmoil.
anxiety and alternate hope and fear pass
ed away-ycars that had been to Grace
one agony of sorrowful regrets and wcari-
some waiting; for she did wait, and only
Heaven knows how patiently and pray
eriully, some sign from VIII that he still
she had once been his wife.
She knew that Colonel Thornley, was
somewhere in Tennessee, but for the rest
she knew no more than did the merest
stranger who read his name and an ac-
count of his brilliant deeds in the daily
papers.
The tabled Lethe is stream never
found this side of the grave. search long
and far rs one may, and those three stir
ring years. active as was his life ard haZ-
ardous his march to fame. had by no
means brought forgctfulncss to Will
Thornley, troubled heart
Grace was SO young and impulsivc lie
should have been more patient. more for
bearing, more forgiving. He felt re-
morseiul and self-condemncd. but how
make the matter up now?
Some such thoughts rs these were pass
ing gloomily through his mind one even
ing, as he sat alone in his tent, bordering
over the subject. What sad, sad ruin
the madness of an hour had made of his
life,
True he had now no small share of
fame, and it was not altogether cgotism.
perhaps, to say it was fairly earned; but
happiness ne had lost, and wife and home,
though the old love still remained, and
tonight, somehow. seemed very near.
"a lady to see you, colonel" said a
tall Irish orderly, entering the tent and
salutiny.
Il can't see anybody tonight. ser
geant. Some begging refugee, suppose.
Refer her to Major Clinton" testify re-
piled the colonel.
" But she's not a refugee, or anything
of the sort. and says she mast see you.-
She's kinder weallly-looking, and as pale
as ghost. and the trayclin' and trouble
she's had, and heggin' your pardon, colo
mel, I'd rather go to the guard-house for
week than take your message to her,
stoutly suggested the honest orderly.
An impatient frown darkened the colo
nel's brow, for he had grown stern and
irritable during the past three years, and
was no more the Will Thornley, he had
formerly been than the merry-hearted
sehoolboy is like grim, iron-handed old
field marshal.
Show the lady i'll and dc quick about
it." he said, shortly.
The orderly promptly obcyed, and soon
re-appcared, conducting Il lady, who
trembled viSibly, and seemed half afraid
to enter, though she had but moment
before begged the orderly on her knees
to procure the interview for her,
The scrgoant instantly retired, and
with sharp intcrrogative, We'll,
madame Colonel Thornley, turned to
know the pleasure Of his strange visitor.
The light from the single tallow candle,
burning on the table, was so dim as to
barely admit Of readily Distinguishing
the lcat.,res Of one in The corner where
the small, shrinking figure stood, as
white and ncryelcss as statue.
So IVolI MOI dow, - op1 tbic TINA Cnlnpal