Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-10-18
to linger, and the room was full Of the
presence Of the singer.

10 linRef, ana the room was iuii Vi Tx
presence Of the singer.
As he had fallen asleep, she and her song
had drilted away from him. with moonlight
and the sweetness OF the roses upon his
pillow; but now with the coming day she
was real to him once mbr-. How he iutt-
ful she was, and how strong the wish Was
TO see her again! He would not have long
to wait, for already the dirkness which
precedes dawn had come. Again the
clock struck, and 500 warm shafts OF
light shot up from the horizon, and all ma
ture awoke.
Presently negro came siently into the
room to see If he could d. anything for
him. But he wanted nothing hut - think
OF the bewltching girl until the time when
she would come. How would she meet
him, now that he was no longer helpless
invalid? Would she fiit In aud oIt a. she
had done yesterday, perhaps r-proach him
for falling asleep while she was >inglngs
He planned out the day. and thought OF
what he would say, and of her replies.
As he began TO grow impatient at the
slowness OF time, he became conscious
that the stiffness OF morning was being
broken by the sound OF horses and whet Is
coming swiftly toward the door. There
were hurried inquiries and responses, and
footsteps crossed the veranda. aud the ne
gro led the way into the room, followed by
two soldiers.
"Hello, Rex, I'm glad 20 see you so
much better, old man." and his hand was
caught in the strong palm OF former
comrade. Its lucky you're well enough
TO be moved, for our lines are having TO
fall back, and we are hurrying to get you
sick fellows into safe quarters. We have
orders to have you all In the hospital ut
- before night. We haven't moment
10 lose either The ambulance Is at the
door, aud well have you into 1t In twink
ling"
He was aghast. - can't be moved; 1t
would kill me-" he began, almost believing
himself "I'll take my chances. There
would not be much LEFT OF me II were TO
have a relapse now"
There would be more than II you were
sent 10 convalesce in Andersonyllle. We
will look out for you. Poor old fellow
this fever has taken the courage out OF
you"
Rex groancd. 'Are there no other fel-
lows you could pick up first! An hour
or so might make great difference with
me-"
"Yes. am pretty sure an hour or so
would make n mighty difference. return
ed his comrade laughing. Where are
his clothes?" he asked OF the negro.
"a We must get him into the ambulance at
once"
The clothes were produced, and the un-
willing man helped tenderly into them by
the soldiers.
do YOU think" he asked OF the negro
when all was ready, THAT | could see
your mistress moment? | woulk like to
thank her" he added, turning to his
She and her daughter have been
very kind To me, and | can't go without
seeing them"
I'VE will not dare to wait long; but or
course II will be only civil TO thank the Ia
dies"
The negro was not gone long. when he
returned, almost Immediately followed by
his mistress, who seemed greatly excited
over the reason for his hurried departure.
Offering her hand she wished him friendly
good-by.
~ could almost have wished that our
army had held back for few days longer,
until you were better able 10 be moved !;
Out hope you will not suffer from the
change If your friends win leave you,
| promise 10 use my influence In your be-
half"
lie looked appealingly At his comrades (;
but one answered; 1t would not do to
expose you tolthe trouble OF hayingA I'm
lon soldier In the house, and am afraid,
madam, you could hardly save him from
arrest. We all appreciate your oner,
though"
~ do, more than | can tell you, my
kind, kind friend" Rex answered, bending
and respectfully kissing her hand. VIII
YOU please give my thanks 10 your daugh-
ter, and say good-by for me! III never
forget either OF YOU so long as live.
Ny daughter !" she exclaimed. why,
she must come 10 see you OF Go quick
ly, Jerry, and tell Miss Florence not 10
lose moment" "Ah. this Is one OF the
sad things OF war! To think how gladly
We would protect you! but we might not
be able to, and could never forgive my
self II evil befell you in my house"
The soldiers grew visibly impatient, and
at last reluctantly said, 1--WE will not dare
take any more time, Rex"
Then good-by-forever, / suppose
"Good.by," the lady answered, her eyes
hlliug with tears, as she watched him 90
feebly across the room between his friends.
As he reached the door, light feet came
running along the yeranda, and Florence
appeared. -,
at is cruel for them TO take you away -
she began, vehemently. 1T will Kill you.
Mamma, why do you allow 1t! Why do
YOU take that poor sick man." turning in-
dignanily upon the soldiers. "Oar friends
would not touch him. They are too brave
to touch the helpless"
The soldiers smiled and said, I'VE have
our orders, miss
"Orders indeed II Is disgrace TO your
officers to issue such orders. Mamma, why
don't you interfere!"
Florence, my dear, you are forgetting
Yourself. We can only wish him farewell
and pray that he may reach home safely
some day. We will not forget you, my
poor fellow" she said, taking his hand
once more.
The young girl came toward him with
both hands outstretched and with tears
dimming her bright eyes. - suppose we
will never see you again, but as mamma
says we will p:ay that you reach your
friends safe and well; and hope you Will
not forget US, for We will remember you
Good-by."
Rex lifted her hand, as he had her moth
er's, and kissed II; then went with tremb'
limbs toward the ambulance. lie was
lifted in, and as they drove away be
raised the curtain and looked out. She was
standing with one hand against pillar OF
the veranda, looking sadly after him. He
watched her until he was whirled swiftly
down the avenue, and out Of the gate; then
shrubbery and walls came between them,
aud hid her from him. He never saw hel
after that.
He often wondered whether. If he hac
known her better, she would have reigned