Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-02-09

how different! Yesterday Mark was in
imminent danger, while Laura was in a
state of terror Then they rode with
scarcely a word. Now language was
inadequate to convey all they wished to
express.
In the evening the party drew mp be-
fore General Thomas tent at McMinn-
vile.
Mark went inside.
General he said, lyon received my
telegram
81 did"
Had you not received the informa-
ton before:'
IF we had, why should we be here?"
There was a brief pause.
81 have BIZ ought something besides in
Iormaton, general. May 1 introduce d
party waiting outsider
"Certainly."
Mark went out and brought in Laura
and her mother.
General, permit Inc to introduce my
wife,
The general looked at the blushing
Laura, then at her mother, then at
Mark. i'll undisguised astonishment
Il thought you had been on IA scout"
he said.
Il have"
"And courted and wed at the same
time:"
Eyes, general"
'Be seated, ladies. Now explain all
this"
Mark gave an outline of his adven-
lures, his listeners eyes opening wider
as he proceeded When the recital was
finished the general called out:
"Orderly!'
In twinlling man was standing in
the tent waiting an order.
"Scnd for Chaplain Gadsden."
eyes. sir"
| 81 am u trifle uncertain about that
wedding" remarked the general. II
! think we'd better have it done according
to the regulations.
| Al smiled save Mrs. Fain, who. since
she had been informed of all that had &C.
Cured from the time of Mr.. Stacks ar
rival at her house to Laura's joining her
the night before. maintained a rigid and
dignified silence,
While they were waiting for the chap
lain the general wrote a telegram to
Mr.. Fain, at Nashville, announcing the
arrival of his wife and daughter. He
did not mention the son-in-law.
The chaplain came. and the bride and
groom Were wed again-thiS time with
ample witnesses, for the whole staff had
been ordered to report i'll person at
Z - ,,.;n
mony." The general gave the bride
away. and after the benrdiction. offer
ing his arm to Mrs. Fain. led the way to
another tent where collation. of for
aged viauds--foraged unbcknown to the
general. and consisting principally of
cold chicken - was served. Uufortu-
nately there was not a glass of wine in
camp for the ladies, the only spirits be-
ing "commissary" whisky and the Rob
inson County" of the country.
While the party We're refreshing
themselves, word was received from
Nashville that Mr.. Fam was out of dam
ger and impatently awaiting his wife
and daughter.
After communicating this pleasant
bit Of information, the general. turning
to Mark, said
Il shall need You hereafter on my
staff. | have learned from your colonel
that there is vacant lieutenancy for
You in your regiment, and will issue
an order detailing you for duty with
me. But this rank need be only tenn
porary. The army is about to be divided
into army corps. and my troops will con-
stitute one of them. Under the recent
law fixing the staff Of corps commando
ers l shall nominate you for inspector
general, with rank Of lieutenant colonel,
to be appointed by the president"
For the first time sine" she had been
apprised of the fact that hcr daughter
was wife Mrs. Fain looked happy.
"Gencrl1," said Mark, while / APP.
preciate the honor YOU SO kindly hcstow
upon Ire, | would pref were - not fol
my wife. to remain in tho seer, service
She certainly deserves the action
Won offer. and | accept it for her. re-
joice al the prospect OF being near you
and shall not be averse now, since
have 50 much TO live for, to a service
not connected with Il constant reminder
OF hemp rope"
At this !lnctu- "a aid-ie-camp en-
tered and handed the general & 'ele
gram. He cast h; eye over it AID
said:
The ball is opened Nelson is i,ht
ing the advance Of Bragg's army al
Richmond, Kentucky"
THE END.