The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-03-24
DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.

this. The scene was green stretch
of summer lawn in front of fine old
Virginia farmhouse the speaker
eight, 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 river bend of the Accoceek
came the tramp of retreating troops,
with now and then the muffled roll Of
drum or the shrill bray OF bugle.
Old Virginia, the queen mother OF
the sunny South, was overrun with SOL
diers, devastated with fire and sword,
shaken to her very foundations by the
thunders of civil war.
Colonel Moreton was far away from
his pleasant home, in the front ranks Of
death and danger; but Irene, his only
daughter, braved the terrors of inva-
sion and remained at the farm. house
with her invalid mother and few faith
full servants.
Cantering across the ground an hour
after the retreat of the invading troops
something attracted the young lady's
notice. 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 the saddle, and throwing
the silken reins over the pony's neck
she went tripping across the ground to
the spot where the figure lay. 1t was
tall. soldierly figure, clad in army blue.
with pale, worn face and an abun-
dance of curling chestnut hair. She
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 wish /
could help you.
The soft voice and the softer touch
called back the veterans wandering
senses. He opened his eyes and looked
mp in the young lady's face. Great,
luminous, handsome eyes they were,
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
curls from the soldiers brow.
MY poor fellow, she said, "can do
anything for you?"
He struggled up to his elbow with q
stifled groan.
MY horse threw me" he exclaimed,
"and they left me behind. L think 1
must have tainted from the pain. l
thank you very much, but I can't SEQ
how you can help me. I suppose 1
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 enemy's country" she
said. but if you will trust me I think
can help you; at least will see that
you are refreshed and made comfort
able"
She put her hand to her bosom and,
drawing forth tiny whistle. she put it
to her lips and blew sharp blast.
Dapple picked 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, II
hold my reserve force at o moments
warning. Here, James, help this gen.
tleman to the house and ride for Doctor
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
comfortable, lay asleep in the best
chamber Of the pleasant old Southern
mansion.
Meanwhile on the long veranda Irene
kept watch, her slight, willowy form
wrapped in o scarlet mantle, her raven
tresses floating on the wind. 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. Irenes dark face
flushed and her lustrous eyes dilated.
She crossed the veranda with swift
step and tapped lightly at the door OF
her guests room.
They are coming" she whispered
"they will take you prisoner if you re-
main. You must go"
The soldier started TO his feet and
made his way out, but he reeled against
the door, faint and gasping for breath.
II can't walk T. he cried. "There's
no hope OF escape J.
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 will overtako
your comrades by dawn. Hurry
There is no time to lose"
The soldier leaned upon the brave
helpful young arm, and succeeded il
reaching the lawn below.