Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-07-01
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DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.

stop, Dapple, we must look to this. y
The scene was green stretch Of sum
mcGlawn in front of fine old Virginia
farmhouse ; the speaker slight. bright
faced girl, gracefully mounted on small
gray pony.
The sun was dropping out of sight be
hind the green hills, and far away down
the river bend of the AocOceek came the
tramp Of retreating troops, with now and
then the muilled roll of a drum or the
shrill bray of a bugle.
Old Virginia, the queen mother Of
the South, was overrun with soldiers,
fire aud sword, shaken to her very foun.
dations by the thunders of civil war
Colonel Moreton was far away from
his pleasant home, in the front ranks oil
death and danger; but Irene, his only
daughter. braved the terrors of invasion
and remained at the farmhouse with hel
invalid mother and few faithful ser
wants.
Gathering across the ground an houl
after the retreat Of the invading troop
something attracted the young lady
notice. PROSTATE figure under thu
shade of the green cottonwood tree
"Stop. Dapple We must look to this
Dapple stopped and Miss Irene leaped
lightly from her saddle, and throwing
tho silken reins over the pony's neck
she went tripping across the grounds to
the spot where tho figure lay.
1t was tall, soldierly figure, clad in
army blue, with pale, worn face and
an abundance of curling chestnut hair.
Colonel Moreton's daughter looked
down upon the senseless soldier with
all her woman's divine compassion stir
ring within her bosom.
"Poor fellow" she murmured, laying
her soft hand upon his brow; wish |
could help him"
The soft voice and the softer touch
called back the veterans wandering
senses He opened his eyes and looked
up in the young lady's face. Groat
luminous, handsome eyes they we're,
that somewhat reminded Irene of her
brother Toms eyes, and Tom was down
in the trenches in front of Richmond
The compassion in her heart stirred
afresh she smoothed back the tangled
curis from the soldiers brow.
"My poor fellow" she said, "can |
do anything for your
He struggled up to his elbow with a
stiaed groan.
"My horse threw me-" no exclaimed,
"and they left mo behind. | think |
must have tainted from tho pain |
thank you very much, but can't see
how you can help nc suppose |
must lie here till they take me prisoner,
and | would almost as soon be shot"
Irene smiled, smile that lighted her
dark, bright face into positive beauty
II am in the encmy's country" she
said, "but if you will trust me | think
| can help you; at least will soc that you
are refre shed and made comfortable
She put her hand to her bosom AMI
drawing forth tiny whistle, she put i,
to her lips and blew a sharp blast.
'Dapple pricked up his gray ears and
came cantering to her side, followed in
stantly by colored man servant.
"You see" smiled Miss Irene, fash
ing beaming glance on the soldier, 81
hold my reserve force at moments
warning"
"Herc, James. help this gentleman
to the house, and ride for DR.. Werter 70
dress bis limb"
james obcyed without a word. and by
the time the sun was fairly out Of sight
the Union soldier, refreshed and mad
comfortable, lay asleep 10 the best cham
Der Of the pleasant old Southern man
sion.
Mean while on the long veranda Irene
kept watch, her slight, willowy form
wrapped 10 scarlet mantle. her ravsr
tresses asating on the wind.
BY and by, as tho midnight star
came out and glittored overhead, sbov
the dreamy flow Of the river, above thu
murmur and rustic Of the hrest leaves
arose the clash and clang, tho roar anc
tramp Of Advancing troops.
Irene's dark face flushed aud her lus
trous eyes dilated. She crossed th
veranda with q swift step and tappo
lightly at the door Of her guests cham
Der.
"They are coming she whispered
they will take you prisoner IL you re
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