Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-08-01

their old homes, and enabled him to
follow, though not very definitely, the
course of his regiment up to the in
vestment of Port Hudson, and when
he had positive assurance that 1t was
among the besiegers he felt that, cost
what 1t might, he must make an effort
to join it. 1t was the last morning
the last breakfast had been eaten.
Even Mrs. Sterling, who had felt that
she was performing an act of exalted
magnanimity in sheltering ard heal
ing a wounded enemy, and who
had carefully guarded herself against
deeper interest than was natural on
the part of a physician toward a pa
tient, felt a little sense of prophetic
loss when they rose from the table
and moved together into the hall. AS
they stood looking at each other.
with awkward irresolution. that pre-
ceds adieus, Rachel called Mrs. Ster-
ling to some domestic consultation,
and the major found himself alone
with Puss.
She wore, as usual, her homespun
gown, and the white kitten curved
itself purringly about her feet. The
major stopped and lifted it to hel
shoulder.
at was that way l first saw you,
he said.
"You will never forget that" she
returned laughing and blushing lit
tie, though she was ordinarily too un
conscious to be much given to blush
ing. "You must have thought me 9
little savage"
Il thought you" the sentence
eagerly begun, and accompanied by
au impassioned lcok, was cut short by
a hand on his arm.
Major" said Mrs. Sterling, here
is a letter belonging to you. 1t fel.
from your pocket when they were
undressing you. 1t was all stained
with blood, but l rinsed it off as vel
as / could, and kept it, that I might
know where to write in case of the
worst" She laid the stained and
blistered paper in his hand.
'From my mothern' he exclaimed
with an emotion he did not attempt
to cOHceal. II wish you had written
to her. She would have thanked you
better than l ever can for your good
ness to her boy"
st needs no thanks" returned the
lady, and her own voice shook lit
tie. SIN times like these every
mother must be glad of the oppor-
tunity to do such things"
"Only life's devotion could repay
such service" he said fervently, and
involuntarily his eyes sought the
girl who was looking curiously al
him
Kitty and are going to the gate
with YOU" she said.
I'VE will all 60" said Mrs. Sterl
ing.
They moved almost in silence down
the long avenue, Puss for once deign
ing to walk like an ordinary mortal
and the major admonish himself to
enjoy without regret the fleeing PLEA
/ sure.
At the gate they fingered mo
ment, and Puss, with one of hel
/ quick, darting movements, broke
FROM a shrub near at hand its single
spray of white blossoms, and gave il
to him
Myrtle, she explained, in answer
to his questioning look. 1T is the
first have seen. 1t must have
bloomed for you"
1t is like the spirit of flower; it il
llke-yOu.'
| Good bye" said Mrs. Sterling
Remember not to expose yourself
too much to tho sun"
Good bye" repeated Puss, and the
major was pleased to fancy that hel
her voice had a cadence of regret.
They waited, smiling upon hin
from the gate. Puss holding up tho
white kitten for a last farewell, while
he mounted into the family carriage
which was to bear him away from
the Highland Road down to the river
bank
We shall surely meet again, " he
said hopefully, turning to take las
look, and touching the fragran
! myrtle to his lips.
Il do believe we are sorry to have
him GO" said Puss, as the carriage
vanished around curve in the hedge
Strange that we should care for {
Yankee. Felix Gray ia the New
Orleans Times-Democrat.