The state capital., 1892-05-28

emerald, from the vcrdurc depths of
which cleaned vari-hued blossoms
whose blended odOrs were borne in
Through open window and doorway.
The golden sunset glow had gradual
Iy faded from the west, and the soft
gray Of the twilight crept adown the
ge"tlcr slopes Of the far-off hills and
across the level plan, till all the earth
seemed embodied in its shadow.
Anna Brown had been watching the
scene from her seat in the deep window
recess, but as the twilight stiffness be-
gan to grow oppressive, she stepped
out through the window, and, descend
Ing the broad stone steps Of the veranda,
she passed down the graveled path,
stopping beside sweet syringa, whose
wealth Of snowy bloom poured incense
all about her. Favorite flower of hers,
and favorite also of-another.
Humming a snatch of half sweet,
half sad melody, she scanned the
Towering shrub in the deepening
gloom, lhnd, spying cluster Of bios
SONS barely within her reach, she put
up her hand and stood tptoc to grasp
the coveted prize. But soft step be-
hind startled her and another hand
with q farther reach was extended
above hers, and grasping, broke from
the bough the cluster Of flowers. while
voice which both her ear ard her
heart recognized said: II wish might
always gain for you such Of life's
longed-for treasures as lie beyond your
easy reach"
Then while he begged her to let him
fasten them in the coils Of her raven
hair she marked the little quaver in
his voice and that the hands grew I'm
steady while they worked. But you
will not wonder at that nor at what
follows when | tell you this was way
back in those dreadful "siNtics," those
years that tried the souls Of men and
the hearts Of women; when hearts that
one moment ran high with JOY were
the next low plunged in the depths of
despair; when, indeed, "eyes looked
love to eyes that spalxc again. but
spoke only to tell Of coming separation
for years, perhaps and, 'oh sad
perhaps" for to how many it meant
forever! Oh, the horrors Of war!
I In those days mothers kissed, in
parting, the scarce bearded lips Of
sons, who, it seemed to them, had but
just left the cradles over which they
had sung their "Hush, my dear, lie
still and slumber." Fathers hung on
the neclls Of stalwart youths ', 40
had but just begun to be the stay Of
their intirmity Of years. Wives with
blanched lips quivering bade adien to
the husband and father, gazing agoniz-
ingly by turns at the going helper and
the staying helpless, the dependent
ones. whose infant lips called him ia
ther" and hung on him for support.
All, You who had no part in the
scenes, too young to realize the anguish
all about you, Praise God from whom
all blessings How and then join in the
prayer with us that never again may
the black and blood dripping wings of
war east shadow on our fair land. To
you, perhaps, there was only the grand |
eur Of the army with banners the |
inspiring melody Of life and drum,''
the gracefulness of the uniformed body |
of soldiers, as hundreds of feet kept |
time to the martial strains. All! if only |
that were all there is of war.
But to our theme. The unsteady |
hands, when they had fastened the
snowy blossoms in place, caught in
their grasp the steadier hands of Anna
Brown and while she was somewhat |
startled at the suddenness of the whole |
affair, George Earle broke out with:
Anna, | must tell you all have to
say to you quickly, and you will pardon
my lmpetuosity when YOU understand
all. fou must have seen all along how
much love You. had not thought to
speak Of it till had accomplished GER
tain undertakings. but events have
crowded me to declaration Tell me
that you love me in return, and promise
me that when-when | can claim YOU,
You will be my wife"
II do love you, George, and will be
your wife whenever you want me. But
has happened, George, or
is going to happen, orwell,
do not understand your actions. You
are usually more calm and self
Do tell me-
my own darling, | have enlisted,
and In a very short time will be on my
way to join the forces already in the
Reld. There, do not be SO startled,
Anna- | should have been less abrupt,
but il Is III 80 sudden, to myself even,
bet saa scsreely realize IT." |