The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-05-26

winch Rledmeu Narl-nueu blossoms
whose blended odors were borne in
through open window and doorway
The golden sunset glow had gradual
ly faded from the west, and the soft
gray of the twilight crept adown the
gentler slopes of the far-off hills and
across the level plain, 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 a sweet syringa, whose
wealth of snowy bloom poured incense
all about her. Favorite flower of hers,
and favorite also of-another
Humming snatch of half sweet,
half sad melody, she scanned the
Towering shrub in the deepening
gloom, and, spying a cluster of bios
SONS barely within her reach, she put
mp her hand and stood tiptoe to grasp
the coveted prize. But 4 soft step be-
hind startled her and another hand
with a farther reach was extended
above hers, and, grasping, broke from
the bough the cluster of flowers while
"A voice which both her ear and her
heart recognized said: II wish l might
always gain for you such of life's
1onged-for treasures as lie beyond your
easy reach"
Then while he begged her to let him
fastcn them in the coils of her raven
hair she marked the little quaver in
his voice and that the hands grew un-
steady while they worked. But you
will not wonder at that nor at what
follows when l 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
tho next low plunged in the depths of
despair; when, indeed, ''eyes looked
love to eyes that spake 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!
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 slumbcr" Fathers hung on
the nccks of stalwart youths who
had but just begun to be the stay of
their infrmity of years. Wives with
blanchcd lips quivering babe adieu 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
Their 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
oil blessings flow" and then join in tie
prayer with us that never again may
the black and blood-dripping wings of
war cast q shadow on our fair land To
you, perhaps, there was only the grand
eur Of the army with banners" the
inspiring melody of fife and drum ~
the gracefulness of the uniforUed 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 I have to
say to you quickly, and you will pardon
my impetuosity when you understand
oil oil a. l..
much1 love you. l 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"
IL do love you, George, and l will be
your wife whenever you want ME. But
something has happened, George, or
something is going to happen, Orwell,
do not understand your actions. You
are usually more calm and self
possessed. Do tell me-
My own darling, l have enlisted,
and in very short time will be on my
way to join the forces already in the
field. There. 90 not be so startled,
Anna. | should have been less abrupt,
but it is all SO sudden, to myself even,
that can scarcely realize it."
But you will not go?' she pleaded,
while a shudder shook her frame.
1t was we'll he could not see the look
of agony on her face, he might else
have faltered. Oh the kindness of the
dusk, for even if he would, it was too
late to turn back, having ''once put his
hand to the p]ow."
You could not love a coward, nor be
the wife of one,'' and he tried to speak
bravely. "But, Anna, sit here on this
arbor-seat, only little while, for my
minutes are numbered, and will tell
You all. 1t is my duty to go to my
country's aid, yet had not intended &c
60 till the impulse seized me to-day