The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-01-05

and perilous ride Ralph once ventured
tohalt at a house by the wayside and
ask for piece Of bread and a cup Of
milk, which were given him, whether out
Of respect for his borrowed uniform or
from kindly heart he could not judge,
and twice he stopped to give the faithful
Prince q good feed Of grass and draft
of pure water. When at last the camp
with Eustace's regimental colors flying
opened on his sight, it was the happiest
moment of his life.
Twice had Dunbar in the midst of a
furious assault been brought face to face
with Grenville. The first was but o
passing glance as in the rush of battle
they swept past each other. The last
was only few moments before Eustaces
fall A rebel aimed full at him while
giving an order, but in moment a cav
airy officer dashed to the soldiers side.
threw up his arm by quick movement
of his sword. as If by accident, and with
sad look raised his cap to Eustace and
wheeled off In an opposite direction.
That officer was Jasper Grenville.
Ralph had also seen him, and burning
with Indignation, guided: only by the
impulse of the moment, endeavored to
reach him and in that rash attempt was
surrounded and taken prisoner.
Mr.. Newton and his daughter returned
TO the farm, and time sped on, bringing
weekly reports from absent ones and
melting out full measures OF quiet enjoy
ment for those at home, crowning their
toll with great success and more than
the hoped for remuneration. The har-
vest had been carefully garnered, and
the sales were rapid. The family were
beginning to look forward to the winter
as period of less severe toll, bringing
leisure for much reading, and, Of more
value than all else, reasonable hope
that their children might be able to se-
cure a few days for home, as the slow
and seemingly sluggish efforts of the
various corps and divisions to recruit
would indicate there was little expecta-
ton Of active service during the winter.
Cne cold and snowy evening the fam
ny were gathered around the cheerful
fire. when without a word Of warning
Ro.e and Ralph walked in and were
clasped in their parents arms. Some
minutes Of joyful greeting and glad sur
prise passed before Lillian could gain an
angs'er to her inquiries after her hus-
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 a short furlough and ac-
COMPANY his sister on this visit, bearing
theft loving greetings, while they tnrried
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
lians 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-
tionB flowed continually, but not SO abb
sorfdngly 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 homo Hfo. No shadow of conceal
ment ever came between them, and
without words they seemed to under
stand each others hearts instinctively.
When 1t was time to retire, Rose said:
Stay q moment longer, please. have
few words to say before retiring.
II know, my dear parents, you have
had much anxiety on my account and
many fears that might not be able to
rise above the cruel disappointment that
came SO suddenly upon me. do not
pretend that l 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, thing to loathe
and scorn. 1t takes time to Danish re-
grets for such impoyerishment, but the
love so unutterably squandered can
never be renewed. From the hour that
Jasper Grenville joined himself to trail
tors against his country his power over
me ceased. He is now prisoner, takep
by a 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 speak of him so cool
ly. You think me hard and unfeelingi'
"Ah. no, Rosiel But cannot under
stand how love 80 strong as yours was
can be 80 totally annihilated, even If the
object prove, as Grenville has, utterly
unworthy"
"Ah. dear sisterl If this had been Of
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 that Grenville 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 homel Or, if she thought that
was asking too much, to secure her prom
kse 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