The national leader., 1889-05-18


his comrades, but not to see much
more service. The three years for
which the men had enlisted were about
to expire, and although the Govern
ment gave them the inestimable privil-
ege of re-enlisting as veterans. most of
the "boys" decided that they would
first go to their homes.
Early one morning, therefore, III the
Autumn of 1864, the cars brought them
to the little town of H. They had
no rations, and were hungry. Ar
rangements had been made for their
breakfast at large place on the road
little farther along, but for some reason
they were delayed several hours here.
Naturally they began to spread about
the little village, and the citizens be-
stirred themselves to do the best they
could under the circumstances. With
out preparations or concert, their
efforts were not very systematic, but
they were hearty. The groceries, res
taurants and hotels were taxed to their
utmost. Raymond was walking through
the little town, looking for the chance
of breakfast, but not seeing how he
could exactly press himself upon those
citizens who already seemed much
overcrOwded.
AS he was passing a modest cottage
on a side street middle-aged lady,
standing in the yard, and holding a
child by the hand, addressed him:
"Soldier!
He turned and brought his hand to
the visor of his cap as though it was
superior officer, instead of superior
being, he saluted.
''Did you speak, ma'am?"
"Have you had breakfast" she said.
He said that he had not yet had that
pleasure.
"Come in, then," she returned.
"Ours is quite ready"
He looked at his hands and his clothes
with some anxiety. It was three years
since he had eaten a really civilized
meal, and his ambition now did not ex-
tend beyond slice of bread and meat
Perceiving the kindness of the inten-
ton, however, he accepted the invita-
ton.
Opposite him at the table sat young
lady dressed in black, whom the hostess
niece. His own name was not asked
There was something in the air and
manner of this young lady, even more
than in her dress, suggesting some re-
cent great sorrow. She did not hold
herself out as wretched being whose
only refuge is the grave. She was not
gloomy or woe-begone. She listened
politely to the conversation, taking
little part, except now and then to ask
question, which finally brought the
young man to speak something of his
experiences. She was attentive, while
she was somewhat thoughtful and sad.
AS he went on he noticed that her in
terest deepened, and once, as he looked
up, he was surprised and little start
led at the intenseness of her look.
When he spoke of Chickamauga her
pallor deepened so visibly that her
aunt asked suddenly if she were i'll.
She regained her compOsure IN mo-
ment, and said she was quite we'll
Still her voice was very low, with a
slight tremor in it, as she asked the
number of his regiment, and she turn
ed white as he gave it.
The next question came slowly. She
struggled hard to control her voice
which vibrated painfully and sank al
most to whisper:
"Did you know-Fred Raymond, of
Company B?"
1t was his turn now to be astonished.
Who was this who asked so unimpor-
tant question with such tragic air,
and who waited the answer as though
life or death might hinge upon it?
The aunt looked from the one to the
other in open-mouthed wonder.
81 am Fred Raymond" he faltered.
But before he had said it she saw the
answer in his face, and slipped to the
floor.
He held her head while the aunt ran
for the smelling salts. It was not the
right thing to do in case of fainting,
but few people ever do treat such a
case properly. He had never, in all
his life, had young lady's head on his
arm, and was awkward and excited.
He thought rapidly but could not un-
derstand the situation. He remember
ed his correspondent and, curiously
enough, at this moment the name came
like flash. But this was not the town
where she lived, and this was not the
young girl he had pictured.
"Who is this young lady?" he asked.
''My niece, Miss Meline"
''Meline? Lillie?" he gasped.
''In the name of WONDER" said the
aunt, ''what does all this mean? Were
you acquainted with her?"
"Yes-no-I believe So" he answer
ed, rather obscurely. 81 will explain
by and by"
Miss Meline soon recovered, in spite
of the unphysiological treatment. She
looked at her aunt to see whether any
further revelation had taken place.
Her embarrassment was extreme, and