St. Landry democrat., 1890-06-07

land. the heirsss of "Rosedale," as a COM
panion for Clinton.
That Young lady was much pleased with
the handsome stranger, n exerteo al
her destinations to charm him. On his
mart he was fattered by so much attention,
and made a charming host. His mother
arranged every detail, and was really "the
mower behind the throne,' but with rare
tact she made it appear that every new
scheme for pleasure originated with Gin
ton. -.
he seemed completely fascinated by his
beautiful companion, and admired equally
her skill in Craftsmanship and the bril-
lisncy of her conversation during their
many rides together.
The last evening of their stay had come,
and the party were seated on the broad
piazza. The talk turned on the approach
ing election.
:It is as certain as fate, that If Lincoln
is elected, there will be war. The South
will not stand it, and | believe the North
anticipates it, too," said MIR. Bradin.
What is your opinion, Mr.. Alston?"
''Such a possibility as war had never
occurred to me, nor do | think it is thought
of by the Northern people. Such a crisis
would be greatly to be deplored."
ga truce to grave political discussions
let us enjoy ourselves in the present, and
not forecast the future. l invite you, one
and all. to 'Rosedale' next week, to stay as
long as possible"
or course Miss Sutherland's invitation
was accepted, and the round of gayety was
kent up, There were times when Ida
Stewards pure face intruded between this
imperious beauty and Clinton Aston, but
he silenced it's p~leadings by the thought
that the year for which he was bound had
not vet expired, and gave himself up to
present enjoyment.
The election took place, and following
closely upon that event the work of seces-
sion began. Military companies were
rapidly organized, and preparations were
pushed forward to sustain their position.
Several of his friends called Clinton Ais
ton.
"We take it for granted, Aston, that
Won are with us in this, but we want
your active presence will you join our
Company"
ii am not sure that I am with you,
Nelson. l think the movement unwlse,
and, from my residence in he North,
think it uncalled for"
every well, sir ; then we are to under
stand your sympathiss are not with usT
s'Not in this military movement"
As was his custom, Clinton rode over to
see Miss Sutherland, and found her busy
embroidering a banner to be presented
to the first regiment that filled up its COM
plement.
"Bave you joined any company YETI"
she sweetly inquired.
"No, and I doubt if | do
you cannot mean that the true view
of affairs is comparatively new to you. OF
course you had distorted ideas in the
North, but you will soon come over on the
right SIDE"
1.-THE question is, which is the right
side. | do not yet see that it would be
right for me to urn traitor to my country"
H"My State is my country, and where she
leads / follow |" said the enthusiastic girl,
as she shook the completed banner.
Clinson's free expression of his views
bore it's natural fruit, and he became al
most an outcast the fact that his father
was known to be an ardent secessionlst
alone saved him from utter contempt.
Time passed, regiment after regiment
had gone to the seat of war, and still
Clinton fingered at home. The state of
his fathers health was one excuse. he
had been stricken with paralysis, and was
a helpless invalid. Then most of the slaves
had taken the first opportunity to go in
search of freedom, so it required consider
able ability to keep things at all comfort
able.
Mrs. Aston had risen to the times, and
had thrown all her energies into the cause:
No one but herself knew how she missed
her abigail and the luxuries h had
always been accustomed to; but she never
complained. The news of a disaster to
their forces had reached them, and Mrs.
Aston exclaimed
1.-THE time has come for every man to do
his duty. I cannot see, Clinton, how you
can be quiet. / hope my son is not a
| coward"
"Mother," cried he, "even you dare not
call me that
Just then an officer called, who said
Mr.. Aston, l have been commissioned
! TO recruit a regiment of calvary In this
section, and have been directed to call on
YOU as likely to aid me indeed, l can offer
YOU a captains commission if you do.
need only add that the time is near when
| there will be no choice in the matter"
Smarting from his mothers bitter words
and fresh from Miss Sutherland's trunts,
he promptly accepted the situation, and
| thus Clinton Aston entered the Confeder-
ate army.
Among the many who gave a prompt
response to President Lincoln's call for
troops were Mrs. Stewards two sons. No
doubt of the justice of their cause troubled
them calmly they arranged for the COM
fort of their mother and sister, and then
marched off to the front. Ida was equally
patriotic, and was very anxious to go as
hospital nurse, but her mother would not
allow her to do so. However, she was
very busy sewing and knitting for the
Sanitary Commission, and into each article
she tucked q bright, CHEEKY note, signed
by her initials, 81. N. s."
The battle of Antietam was fought, ano
following close on the public report cam
a telegram:
"Harry is in the hospital dangerously
wounded come. EDWIN STEWART"
Mrs. Stewart was unfs to go, but Ids
started at once, and thug her wish was
sadly granted, and she was or her way to
the battle fields. At first she turned FAM
at the horrors she saw, but she rallied ane
pressed on to where poor Harry lay witt
his life ebbing away. He knew her, ano
she had the privilege of tending him, ant
giving him that taste of home which is 81
dear to every mans heart. She had closet
his eyes. and his body had been carried
out, when q party detailed for burying thu
dead on the field entered, bearing
wounded Confederate.
"We found this man among the deat
and brought him in"
The surgeon turned to Ida for assis
lance, and as she handed him the bandag
she had prepared, she looked at the Sub
iect," and to her amazement found tn
wide-op eyes staring at her.