Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-04-30

She looked through the apparently
calm surface into the depths Of that
tired soul aud sought by loving counsel
and teuder sympathy to bind up the
wounds which though hidden,she knew
were deep and wide, bleeding ever
bleeding. And Effie longed to lay her
tired head on her mothers bosom, and
sob her life away; but she would not
call her to witness her humiliation.
Two years passed YEARLY by. when the
great rupture between North and South
called all capable of bearing arms to the
field of battle; and Henry, possessed Of
any amountoi brute courage. was among
the first to answer the call.
Efie reproached herself because that
no feeling Of regret went with him, as
he babe her farewell. 1t was a relief,
such blessed relief, to he free from his
violence, and from the constant feeling
of disgrace pressing upon her in his
presence.
Never again, no never again, would
her gentle spirit be crushed and wound.
ed by shame and ill usage; for on the
field of battle tho erring one fell never
to rise again. A few words Of farewell,
penned by comrade in arms and a
prayer for forgiveness, told the tale to
Fife.
At liberty now to act at her own plea
sure, but unable, until the settlement
of the estate to return to her childhood's
home, Ef6e wrote to her mother to come
to her.
Oh, that meeting Of the long parted
ones, what words can describe it's bliss
Both had suffered, both were changed;
but now they were re- united and all
would be we'll.
The color came back to the cheek of
Efie, the light to her eyes, making her
lovlier than ever, in the happiness Of
home frightened by mother presence
and love: and Mrs. Leslie, feeling that
once more she could claim her child,
wholly, solely her own. forgot the sor-
rows of the past in the joys ofthe pres
; ent.
Effle was in her country home, when
tidings came that the long struggle was
over and that peace had been declared.
As they were rejoicing over the glad ii
dings company of armed men entered
the avenue and rode toward the house.
Effie was terrified. for fearful tales
of raiders had reached her ears.
Her fears were dispel]ed, howev r,
as Mrs. Leslie, with the blood of New
England running in her veins, cried.
ut is our own banner, the Stars and
Stripes. Look, look !! l seem to know
the form of the commanding officer.
He dismounted, and, seeing the la.
dies, advanced, saying, May I crave
our hospitality for myself and men p
Thus far had he spoken when look
ing into Mrs. Leslie's face, he stood
transfxed, while she springipg forward
exclaimed, Why, William. my dear boy
it is indeed you
Efie, meadwhile had sunk trembling
into seat, overcome with emotion and
sat with her face bowed upon her hands.
Gently drawing them away, William
raid softly:
And have you no word Of welcome
for me, EfieT Cannot you give to me
even sisters greeting?
Shyly she raised to his her dove.lke
eyes, and reading in them more than q
SISTERS tenderness, he drew her unresist.
ing tc his arms.
Quietly releasing herself she said
Willy. am not worthy. l threw a.
wav the treasure of your affection for
glittering bauble. have suffered bit
terly, and though felt that had made
a mistake, when the scales fell from my
eyes. knew when too late, it was but
my fancy which was captivated by an
other
AT last, at last 7 he cried, After lor 8
waiting the prize is mine.'
Escorted by William, Mrs. Leslie and
Effie soon returned to their Northern
home, and shortly after the dream Of
the former was realized, and in her
warm corner in Williams home she
witnessed the happiness of her child
rem and felt that the clouds which had
hung darkly over her life were forever
dispelled.
Cutting Acquaintance.
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