The times., 1893-10-13

| answer to her inquiries after her hts-
band. Then she learned that neither
| Eustace nor George could be spared, as
their regiment was ordered to join the
army at Vicksburg, with 10 days for
preparation. The brothers had urged
Ralph to obtain short furlough and ac-
| company his sister on this visit, bearing
their loving greetings, while they tarried
behind to expedite arrangements.
A real home supper was prepared for
| the beloved guests, and while seated at
the familiar board all care and anxiety
was dismissed from their minds. II Lii
lian's heart yearned for her husbands
presence and the parents missed Georges
| thoughtful attentions, it was carefully
concealed during this meal. Once more
gathered in the cheerful parlors, ques-
tions flowed continually, but not so alb
sorbingly as to prevent the parents from
giving Roses looks and words careful
attention. They were soon satisfied that
no corroding sorrow was preying upon
their darling's peace. True, she was in
many respects greatly changed. The
strange, sad experience Of her hospital
life had given a maturity Of thought
and expression that was singularly con-
trasted with her bright, girlish face and
figure. Years of home life could never
have developed the strength and enthusi-
asm of her character as the last two
months had done.
The bond between herself and twin
brother was even stronger than when in
their home life. No shadow Of conceal
ment ever came between them, and
without words they seemed to under
stand each others hearts instinctively.
When it was time to retire, Rose said:
Stay moment longer, please. have a
few words to say before retiring.
~ know, my dear parents, you have
had much anxiety on my account and
many fears that l might not be able to
rise above the cruel disappointment that
came so suddenly upon me. | do not
pretend that | have not suffered very
bitterly. But it was the pain Of mis-
placed confidence, the knowledge that
what had thought priceless treasure
was worse than dross, a thing to loathe
and scorn. 1t takes time to Danish re-
grets for such impoverishment, but the
love so unutterably squandered can
never be renewed. From the hour that
Jasper Grenville joined himself to trai-
tors against his country his power over
me ceased. He is now a prisoner, taken
by scouting party in the rash attempt
to obtain clandestine interview with
me. am thankful that it did not fall
to my brothers to capture him, but it is
well that his efforts against our country
are ended, at least for the present.
LILLIAN, my sister, you look at me in
sad surprise that l speak Of him SO cool
ly. You think me hard and unfeeling!"
"Ah, no, Rosie! But cannot under
stand how love so strong as yours was
can be so totally annihilated, even if the
object prove, as Grenville has, utterly
unworthy"
the common order of sin or worthless
ness, there might have fingered some
shades Of tenderness, but for the son
who would trample upon his mother,
the traitor who would betray and de-
stroy his country, there can exist no
feeling but entire indifference. Yes-a
stronger one than that-detestation."
"And what" interrupted Ralph, "do
you imagine rnat GrenvIlIe hoped to gain
by disguised entrance into my sisters
presence? Why, to persuade her to leave
us and allow the first rebel chaplain to
marry them and then convey her to his
southern home! Or, if she thought that
was asking too much, to secure her prom
ise to be his when the south had subdued
u.s."
"How did you learn this?" asked his
father in amazement.
"When captured, he was marched close
by our camp and urged his guard to pro-
cure an interview with our colonel. Eus-
tace met him and brought back an ear
nest petition for one word with Rose
Suspecting Grenville imagined our sad
reverses had somewhat disheartened us,
and that he might also flatter himself
that sight of him would revive her love,
our little heroine consented to go with
Dunbar. 1t was well that was off on
scout. could not have borne his as
surance so quietly as Rose and our Eus-
tace did"
"Well, he understands me now, my
dear parents, and will never, I am sure,
entertain so wild hope again. That he
suffers 1 do not doubt, and for the suffer-
ing, though deserved, am sorry. But he
chose this crooked path against all our
entreaties and has no one to blame but
himself. We will not waste this short
reunion by any more words of him. I
thought it best to tell you this at once
that all the rest Of our time might be
undisturbed. One of the old good night
hymns, papa, if you please, and then we
will go to rest that we may be prepared
for great pleasure tomorrow"
While Rose and Ralph were on their
visit home Dunbar had been sent with q
strong force to disperse an encampment
Of rebels who had stationed themselves
inconveniently near our lines. He was
successful in his mission, had routed
them completely and taken many prison
ers. During the time that this party |
waited about the union station they had |
with them many females of the baser
sort, who had often been surprised in at
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