The National tribune., 1889-04-25

the loved ones were, ana stepped quickly TO
his mothers side. Laying his hand on her
shoulder as if deprecating all cutlery or excite
ment, he said, in a low, steady voice;
. We 90 att o'clock tomorrow morning"
Mrs. Austins hand went to her heart as
though spasm had seized it, and the words
My SON held pathos beyond description.
Harrie had been playing on the little parlor
organ, and had turned half round as Fred en-
tered. Her face became deadly pale, and
throwing her arms across the keys, she bent her
head upon them, while her slight form shook
with the mighty sobs which came from her very
soul.
The thought that overwhelmed her was, at
is who have done this; 1 who have sent him
from his mother; who have brought this woe
on my dear friends, and sent the one l love
best into danger and the face of death"
Fred was at her side in one moment, his
arms around her, her head upon his breast
and saying in tender tones:
Why, Harriet my beloved! I thought you
were my brave little girl; that you would help
me TO do my duty. Come, courage, my little
sweetheart; for you know you are to take my
place"
All how hard it was to let him go SO soon;
but with brave struggle she dashed away her
tears and penitently said
FORGIVE ME, FRED;
but it was so sudden" Then, with suppressed
sob, she added, We had been talking about it,
but thought it would be some weeks perhaps
Why do you go nova"
Eyes, my son. interrupted Mrs. Austin,
we thought-or at least thought, if Harrie
was to stay with US, and-and do what she
thinks she can -
please, please don't." said trembling
voice, and a flushed check sank on Fred's
shoulder.
Don't what? Go on mother" said Fred,
while he pressed Harrie more closely to him.
Why, l thought that perhaps you and Har-
RE had better be married before you left; then
we would be truly one family"
Poor Harrie was overcome with confusion;
and Fred, taking her by both arms, tried to
look in her tear-wet eyes as he said:
And what did Harrie Think"
With little indignant movement she freed
herself, the bright head was thrown back, and
the answer came clear as a silver bell:
" He has never yet asked me to be his wife;
it was / who flung myself upon him. Do not
force him to ratify what he never consented
TO- That my love and patriotism oVercame my
maidenly mOdesty was the fault of the time
and the occasion"
| And let the time and the occasion plead for
me, my own darling. Ours has been a stormy
wooing, but have loved every shining hair of
your dear mead ever since my eyes first saw it,
! and the earth holds nothing so dear for me as
/ the hope of calling you my wife. Plead for
me, mother" ne said, turning toward her, and
still holding the hand which he had again
/ clasped in his own.
Its all right, Harrie," said his mother;
this is no time for hesitation. You love him,
] be loves you. l viii send at once for Mr.. Par
sons, and few words will give me my we'll
/ loved daughter"
With a kiss on each loved face she stepped to
/ the door and sent Billy to Mr. Parsons to tell
him we want him Immediately"
With q grave smile she turned to Ethel and
l01 Gill CRY
and rapidly-enacted scene, and told the girls to
/ take Harrie upstairs TO battle her tear-stained
| face and return with her very soon.
"Now, MY soN,''
/ she said, +" tell me what this hurry means"
i at means, mother, that the foe is at our
| doors Lee is marching on Harrisburg with a
/ large army, and Meade with smaller force is
waiting to intercept him. We go to fight"
& shudder ran through her and she felt as
though death itself was clutching at her heart I;
but there was much to say and do-the time
for tears must come later.
After fifteen minutes Of earnest consultation
Mr.. Parsons arrived, the girls came slowly down
the stairs leading little figure in white who
saw but one face, and that the one which has
tened 10 meet her and led her forward to the
kind old minister, to whom be said:
We wish TO be married now; tomorrow
join Meade at Gettysburg"
In solemn tones the words were spoken which
united them forever; but even while Fred
kissed her trembling lips and whispering, My
sweet, my lovely wife" hasty steps were heard,
and Robin Grey entered without ceremony,
saying;
Fred, there's no time to spare;
THE NEWS Is STARTLING;
Meade is hard pressed the boys are waiting
What's this?" he asked suddenly, as his eye
took in the tabeau, 80 wedding?"
Yes. this moment" Fred answered; she il
my wife. God bless you, darling Here
mother, comfort her; and Harrie, dear be brave
and take care Of mother. Ethel, Annie, sweet
sisters, good-by." And he was gone.
Robin turned puzzled, bewilderiag look OF
Annie for second or two and then, as he took
the situation in, said earnestly, annie, my
darling, / wish it was you and /; l love you
dearly, and you must think of me, dear!"
lie, too, was gone in a moment, and tht
/ weary hours and days of watching and waiting
began.
Mrs. Austin like the noble woman she was
{ after having made up her mind to the sacrifice
? herocally repressed her own feelings to com
J fort her friends and neighbors
She said / think the wives daughter
c and sisters of heroes should prove themselYe
d worthy Of those who are periling life for thei
country and their homes. We all have some
? thing to do; our friends have gone, not for al
hour nor day, but for the war; not one
e them with an extra change Of clothing. VIVA
s shall we do about itY -