Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-07-16

head.
For it was midwinter of 1S63-that
clime-imposed rest in the grapple for
life, or death, Of the blue and gray
giants, still watching in eager crouch on
either side of that world-noted river.
A moony haze that was not light, yet
doomed up objects of near distance in
gigantesque dimness, lay over the land;
and the east wind, sweeping across the
broad Potomac, paused an instant to
touch its lips to her cold waves, then
mounted the southern bank with new
chilled breath from the caress, to swirl
about the riders pressing onward In
seeming defiance of its efforts.
An oddly-mated pair these We're, for
time and place like this: A tall, 1.-the
female form, clad in heavy riding habit
and cape of coarse gray cloth, soldiers
soft slouched hat drawn close over the
brow, long gauntlets covering hands
that had firm, practiced grasp on the
reins that checked q powerful roam
horse; her companion n sturdy soldier,
seemingly, in the wrap of his gray over
coat, his slouched hat trailing long
black plume, and high thigh boots, rest
ing lightly in long stirrups that swayed
to each stride of his black horse.
Had the light been stronger, and had
curious observer been a possibility on
such a night, on that lonely trail of the
neutral ground in time of fragrant war,
the womans face would have challenged
closer scrutiny. The clear-cut, high
bred features were lit by large gray
eyes, that glinted out watchful and res
olute; and the firm-set lips were full
curved, denoting sensitiveness as well
as character. Such curious observer,
too, might have noted that the rough
habit chung about a figure not too full,
but of most symmetric curves; that the
gauntlets covered hands as long and
taper as they seemed firm and nervousi
that the heavy coils of ruddy-gold hair,
beneath the semi-military hat, shone
smooth and glossy, even in that wind.
For Carolyn Clay was one of those
women developed only by "storm-and-
stress eras, such as the brothers war;
q beauty and petted belle, tickle, glib Of
tongue, and light in dance; very mis-
tress of society's sword-play, who could.
at need, rise to heights of heroism and
| even do deeds to shame soldierl
Good blood and proud - straight
coursed from veins of lordly settler OF
virgin soil, named for the queen-was
that the night wind brought to Miss
Clay's cheek; and her hssome figure
could, upon occasion, straighten into q
hauteur as rigid as that becoming 'the
daughter of hundred earls."
| Washington and Baltimore, equally
with Virginia's capital and her noted
summer resorts of ante bellum, had
rung with the name of the brilliant
young girl, who had stood the social
campaigns of two preceding seasons
with never one reported repulse, far
less capitulation, yet had tied to hel
| chariot scores of noted captives, ''rescue
or no rescue" Nor had the two years
of war known her less well, in the
gayeties of the capital, when winters
mud and snow babe even Bellona stay
her dreadful work; in the hospitals
Understanding the path of summer:
battle; even, it was said, in more thar
one bold foray and perilous, in quest o:
information or of much-needed medi
cines, across the division river between
the warning sections.
Less marked in outer seeming, while
no less o type, was her companion
young, vigorous and gallant Of mie1
above his rough gray coat and coarse
brown shirt. For Evan Fauntleroy
like many another, had left the luxury
of the old homestead, to cast his lot a
private soldier under the guidon o
the "Black Horse" Goodness in peril
, punctuated by two bad wounds befor
his nineteenth birthday, had gained tn
boy no higher promotion than favorit
scout to that blond-bearded cavaiie
who was his idol, Jeb Stuart.
'It is going to snow, Evan" the CIR
said, abruptly. 81 have felt three stra
flakes strike my nose already. If
should"
"If it should, I'll order a camp, Cousil
Caro-" the boy broke in, with laugh
"You shan't get your little feet wet
even: for l promised Ger. Jeb I'd Sc
you safe at the Ferry or never claim
chevron! But it can't snow! U-ugf
it's too deuced coldl'' the youngster ado
ed, throwing his cape higher about hi
ears Don't you mind it, Cousin Caro-?
mot bit!" the girl responded, chee1
lily. But we seem to go so SLOWLY OF
r Evan, if daybreak catch us before W
o make the landing, what will l dc
They expect me, over there; and If
miss this trip, there's no knowing Scht
, l can get back. And poor little Fai
fax so needs morphia and quinine; an
many another, too. Capt. Charlie
warned me"
. capt. Charltoni He's fine mento
/ toor Fauntleroy broke in, with vicioI
dig of spurs that sent the black ahea
with a great bound. "And he aslke
the general for the honor Of escortir
you to the feray'P he added, pullir
the horse down to even stride agail
ga nice escort he'd bel Don't know
foot of the road; and If a Yank poppt
cap he'd be-"
"Your superior officer still, Priva
Fauntleroy," Carolyn Clay's voice CT
So in, coldly. Discipline seems lax abo1
cavalry headquarters, to judge by Il
way your tongue wags."
"N.es; he's my superior officer"
sneered. "Um! woods full of such-s
periors."
eff discipline cannot, pray let cour
cY,rh uo1,r fOp011a Can't Charlton