The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-01-03


Their minds were not aroused by the in
tense excitement that city residents ex-
perienced when morning and evening
papers and frequent bulletins kept the
brain in perpetual tumult.
Mr.. Newton could not afford either
time or money for such luxuries or an
noyances. But their one weekly paper
or some intelligence brought by Duncan
In his frequent visits to Lillian and the
friends at the farm often reused their
indignation almost beyond control, show
ing that under all the peacefulness Of
their present life O FIRE smoldered that
needed but spark at any time or mo-
ment to leap into an inextinguishable
flame.
When Dunbar was present, the coun-
try's prospects were the constant theme,
but Of late Grenville, who once was ac-
customed to meet Dunbar that they
might walk together every evening to
Mr.. Newton's house, now apparently
avoided him, for they seldom met and
never called together. While Jasper was
with them those topics that were of the
greatest interest were never mentioned.
The family ventured on no questions,
and he volunteered no remark. He was
unwearying in little acts of kindness. apt
to devise topics Of general interest or
amusement, and to Rose never was lover
so devoted.
If Rose was only waiting patiently for
unmistalkable revelations of his feelings
and intentions or had really been lulled
to rest by his unceasing kindness and
tenderness, neither her parents nor broth
ers could understand, but they had be-
come painfully certain that he harbored
in his heart purpose that might at any
moment "sweep all her hopes. like sand,
away"
1t came at last, that fearful day, just
as the cold, stern winter had departed
and spring was full Of promise-Sumter
surrendered. For some days groups of
men were seen standing on the corners
Of the streets in earnest conversation,
| and expectation stood aghast with hor-
ror."
The excitement spread all over the
country. At Montgomery farm the
peace and quiet of the winter were dis
PEELED by stern and resolute watchful-
ness, waiting impatiently for the signal
to spring to arms. Dunbar was with
them every evening of the previous week
to keep them posted and arrange for in
slant action whenever needed. Gren-
vile came not at all. Rose moved about
her work mechanically, repelling any
indication by word or look that seemed
like sympathy with an impatience, an
irritability, so foreign to her nature that
it was too evident some concealed fear
or sorrow was hidden In her heart.
On this eventful Sabbath GIenyille
made his appearance in season for din
ner. He apologized for his absence the
past week on the plea Of slight illness.
telling Rose he would have sent her
line, but each morning he felt sure of be-
ing better before night, but found him
self mistaken. He had, however, en-
braced the first moment of convalescence
to come to her. So wretchedly pale and
haggard did he look that her heart re.
preached her for the doubts which she
had tried in vain to conceal, and even
her friends were so struck by his misera-
bly, changed appearance as to be almost
ready to hope they had misjudged him
and carefully avoided remarks that might
disturb the Sabbath by hitter feeling or
unguarded anger.
Eustace had failed to be with them in
the morning or to attend Lillian to
church, and knowing such unwonted alb
sence was significant George, with his
fathers consent, after dinner was just
starting for the city when he espied the
truant riding rapidly mp the lane and
hastened to meet him. AS the friends
met Eustace exclaimed:
ut is war now, war Of complete ex-
termination or submission
"Stay a moment Is Grenville with
you2'
"Yes. He has been here but a short
time and is either i'll or in great mental
anxiety. Have you heard anything
more Of his movements"
Eyes, indeedi Enough to destroy him!
Our poor Rosei
"The southern sympathizers in the
city are wildly jubilant over this first
aggressive step of their brethren and
now feel safe to speak out. Horton
told me exultingly that Grenyille was
heart and hand with them; that he had
just received letter from his father
urging him to break away from all ties
here at once and hasten to join them,
saying that his fathers influence with
his party had secured for his son high
position in the large army they are rails
ing. Horton says he saw the commits
sion, and that Grenville had accepted
this very morning and was confident
that when Rose saw that his mind was
fixed she would yield"
"Ah, how little he understands our
darlingl Or rather, he understands too
we'll. What he said to Horton was spo-
ken in moment of excitement, and his
dispirited manner since he came proves
plainly he dare not even broach the sub
ject to her. He must have known of this
news you bring, and yet not word has
he spoken"
"But, oh, George, how will the dear
girl bear itg'
''It certainly will not be half 80 heavy
upon her as the torturing suspense under
which she has for some weeks been PIN
ing. l think we have been unwise to
conceal our knowledge of his intentions
SO long. But will at once unmask the
villainl My sweet darling sisteri"
WAeh tne young men entered the
house. all gathered anxiously around Eus-
tace, for. his face once seen, there could
be no doubt he brought tidings of great
Importance. The tale was soon told.
The fearful step had been too long antic-
ipated for any great surprise to blend
with the excitement and indignation it
caused. Tho color fed from every face,
but the lofty courage and stern resolu-
tion stamped on each feature needed not
words to tell how willingly they would
offer their lives for country SO dearly
loved and bitterly insulted.
"And now may God bless us and speed
us to our work." said Eustace, while
with his arm thrown closely around Lii
lian he read with pride and admiring
love the unselfish spirit with which she
laid her hearts lifs on her country's al