, 1886-12-10

Ernest appeared awkward and at
Il disadvantage beside this handsome
stranger. He seemed to feel this and
rould not be induced to play again.
There was plenty more music, how
ever. Miss Ballou sang, then Mr..
Guernsy, who had n really fine baritone
voice, sang, then they sang together. l
saw To- unhappy the change of this
evening was making poor Ernest.
Come" said l to him, "let us go up
stair. We won't he missed" As we
reached the door, Ernest cast a weary.
longing look toward Miss Ballou, who.
unmindful Of him, wa sitting ON the
stool before the piano, chatting and
laughing with her new acquaintance.
l don't think Ernest slept at all that
night. He was nervous, and several
times during the night l heard him
murmur and sigh. | heartily pitied
him. But what could | do to console
him:
He got up very early the next morn
ing, and although haggered and pale.
went right to his practice.
why do you get up so early? You
look tired" | said to him.
II can't sleep" he answered YEARLY,
so l thought would get up and play.
| must get these pieces for the concert
which is only a week from to- morrow
night.
= = =
1t was Just one week from this norm
ing. while VT were sitting at the break
fast table, that Rhona, one of Mrs.
Barnes daughters. looking significantly
at Ernest, said to me: Mr.. Harris.
rave you heard the news:8 l had no
idea as to what was coming, else l should
not nave added, what is it:'
Annie Ballou had engaged herself to
Mr.. Guernsy.- l looked at Ernest. He
had dropped his fork as if a sharp pain
had suddenly seized him.
Next morning while we were yet in
bed Ernest startled me by saying "Char-
ley~-that is my name-"I am going to
enlist" (Nhat am here relating took
place at the time of the War of the Re
bellion.")
YOU" l exclaimed, ''why, you would
not stand it a week"
"Oh, yes, | shall" he replied, "and
what if l do die, ! shall die for my coun-
try
Ernest" said l, take my advice;
don't go. You are not strong. You
will not be able to bear the hardships
and exposures of a soldiers life. Be
sides, you are the only son of your
parents. Think of them
Il do think of them. The thought of
them is all that worries me. But you
talk as if it were already settled that |
,nttet .1ta ,,op ., tlrn,rI, tI,a xvut.
and come back, as thousands of others
will"
All remonstrance on my part was
useless. He would go. He asked me
not to tell the folks in the house about
his going to enlist until after he was
gone.
Il cannot bear to rave them urge me
to give it up" said he. 81 shall have
enough to do to overcome my parents.
lie went, and when | next heard from
him it was in the form of a lette-
which he had written from camp.
received a few lines from him about
two weeks after this by which lie in
formed me that they would break up
and march" on the morrow.
From that time had no knowledge
VI MN AAilAil Oiit Nv lllAE lbBh =
months subsequent to his den?ftar1a
from o.. when Mrs. Barnes called me
down, telling me a young mar wished
20 see me. found in the latter a mes
senger from Ernest, who, through the
efforts Of his mother and kind neigh
bors, had been brought home sick, dying
perhaps, and wished to see me. | ac-
c%ompanied the stranger without delay,
and several hours of smart driving
brought us to the home of my poor
friend.
His mother met me at the door, her
eyes red from weeping, and | saw at u
glance the worst was feared.
Though pale and emaciated, his large
eyes glowing with feverish brightness. a
smile Illuminated his c%ountenance MS
Ernest feebly put forth his hand TO
greet me.
well, l did not stand it long, did l,
Charley - he said pleasantly.
Emotion choked my u%tterance. NO,
may poor friend, " l managed to say.
We chatted some time. lie asked
some favors of me, which ! promised
should be granted. After which | left
him.
! returned on a saturday, but found
poor Ernest no more alive.
They took me to the chamber where
all that remained of him lay. A peace
full smile rested upon the still features,
SO pleasant to look at even in death. 81
hear celestial h~armonies7 had been his
last words. With the help of the under
taker, | fulfilled his last request.
| met Mrs. Guernsy, nee Ballou, u few
months ago. She is n middle-aged
woman now, and the mother of grown
sons and daughters. Though somewhat
stout, she is still pretty, and retains the
v~ivacity and sprightliness Of her youth.
She seemed delighted to meet me, ant
spoke OF old times. But never once die
she refer to him, our common friend
who was laid TO rest, with his hand.
peacefully folded over her image lyinl
on the throbless bosom. Olga l.. Sturn
in Cleveland Leader.
Formation of Cloud.
nVpetiynfioua bv Dr u Won Hahn