Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-01-01
DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.

The scene was a green stretch of
summer lawn in front of fine old
Virginia farmhouse; the speaker,
slight bright-faced girl, gracefully
mounted on a small gray pony.
The sun was dropping out of sight
behind the green hills, and far away
down the silver bend of the Accoceek
came the tramp of retreating troops.
with now and then the muf1led roll of
a drum or the shrill blare of a bugle.
Old Virginia. the queen mother of
the sunny south, was overrun with
soldiers. devastated by fire and sword,
shaken to her very foundations by the
thunders of civil war.
Col. MoretOn was far away from his
pleasant home, in the front ranks of
death and danger; but Irene. his only
child, still braved the terrors OF inva-
sion and remained at the farmhouse
with her invalid mother and a few
faithful old servants.
Gathering across the grounds an
hour after the retreat of the invading
troops, something attracted the young
lady's notice-a PROSTATE figure under
the shade of the great cottonwood
tree.
Stop, Dapple; we must look to
this!"
Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene
leaped lightly from her saddle. aud
throwing the silken reins over the
pony's neck, went tripping across the
grounds to the spot where the figure
lay.
1t was tall. soldierly figure. clad in
! army blue, with pale, worn face and
an abundance of curling, chestnut
hair.
Col. Moreton's daughter looked down
upon the senseless soldier with all her
woman's divine compassion stirring
within her bosom.
Poor fellow" she murmured, laying
her soft hand upon his brow; Il W sh
could help him"
The soft voice and the softer TOT Oh
called back the veterans wandering
senses. He opened his eyes and looked
up in the young lady's face. Great,
luminous, handsome eyes they were,
that somehow reminded Irene of her
brother Toms eyes; and Tom was
down in the trenches in front If Rich
mond. The compassion in h II heart
stirred afresh; she smoothed lack the
tangled curls from the soldiers brow.
My poor fellow" she said, can l
do anything for yOu?"
He struggled up to his elbow with a
stitied groan.
My horse threw me-" he explained.
land they left me behind. | think /
must have tainted from the pain. |
thank you very much, out | can't see
how you can help me. | suppose l
must lie here till they take me pris-
oner, and I'd almost as soon be shot"
Irene smiled, a smile that lighted
her dark, bright face into positive
beauty.
Il am in the enemy's country" she
said. but if you will trust me
think | can help you; at least, [ will
see that you are refreshed and made
comfortable
She put her hand to her bosom, and
drawing forth & tiny whistle she put it
to her lips and blew a sharp little
blast
Dapple pricked up his gray ears and
came cantering to her side, followed
instantly by colored man-servant.
You see." smiled Miss Irene, flash
ing beaming glance on the soldier,
Il hold my reserve forces at a mo-
ments warning. Here, James, help
this gentleman to the house, and then
ride for DR.. Werter to dress his limb"
James obeyed without word, and
by the time the sun was fairly out of
sight the union soldier. refreshed and
made comforta ole, lay asleep in the
best chamber of the pleasant old
southern mansion.
Meanwhile. on the long veranda,
Irene kept watch, her slight, willowy
figure wrapped in a scarlet mantle.
her flossy, raven tresses floating on the
winds.
By and by. as the midnight stars
came out and glittered overhead, above
the dreamy flow of the river, above
the murmur and rustic of the forest
leaves, arose the clash and clang, the
roar and tramp of advancing troops.
Ireles dark face flushed and her
lustrous eyes dilated. She crossed
the veranda with swift step and
tapped lightly at the door of her
guests chamber.
They are coming" she whispered;
they viii take you prisoner if you
remain. You must 60"
The soldier started to his feet and
made his way out but he reeled
against the door-post, faint and gasp
ing for breath.
Il can't walk" he cried; there's no
| hope o. escape!n
| But Irene held out her 1.-the young
| arm.
Yes, there is, she said, cheerfully.
Lean on me. can help you down,
and you shall ride Dapple. He knows
| the river road, and you shall overtake
your comrades by dawn. Hurry! there
| is no time to losei"
The soldier leaned upon the brave,
| helpful Young arm, and succeeded in
| reaching the lawn below.
"Dapple!" the young girl called in
| her clear, silver notes, come herem
In breath Dapple was at her side.
| The girl stood and looked at the gen.
tie creature and then threw her arms
around his neck.
"'Oh. Dapple, pretty Dapple." she
| sobbed, lit breaks my heart to part
with you. Good-by. Dapple!'
In the next breath she stood erect,
her eyes flashing through a mist of
tears.
Come, SIR" she said, .sallow me to
help you to mount Dapple, take this
| gentleman down the river road, and
| at your utmost speed"