The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1897-08-06
His Reward.
| Nashville SUM-


the afternoon Of the third day of
the Confederate reunion.
JIst to the right Of the main en-
trance sat a man, but little past the
prime of life. Deep in thought
he seemed to be. This gathering
brought back memories too varied
for expression, too sweet and sad for
any one to share.
lines Band had Just played My
Old Kentucky Home when Robert
Lanier arose to 90. Startled by a pic
ture in the doorway he reseated
himself and waited.
Standing with. the soft afternoon
glow around her was a young girl.
Seemingly she was the same he had
seen thirty odd years before stand
ing on the porch of Il vine-clad cot
tage waving a "Bonny Blue Flag
at the-Tennessee regiment march
ing by on their way to the battle of
Franklin, where so many brave
soldiers fought their last fight and
laid down their gallant lives.
The memory of that sunny haired
girl had never left him. She had
pledged herself to be his wife and
he had gone out to battle with a
Drawer, lighter heart, sure that when
he should return Margaret Dean
would give him his reward.
After the war was over he had
hurried back home to find that Capt.
Dean had moved West, carrying his
family with him. He heard that
they had gone to Texas but did not
trouble himself as to their where
abouts, feeling sure that Margaret
would in some way let him hear
from her.
For weeks and months he waited
with the patience that only a strong
man can shOw-neVer doubling, al
ways true and earnest-waited un-
til he should hear from her. He
waited till all hope seemed gone,
only to hear that she had married
Being strong man Robert Lanier
hid his sorrow. He did not blame
Margaret, he loved her too truly,
but no one could say what suffering
was endured by this man who went
quietly on with his daily duties
growing gentler and more patient
as the years went by, never marry
ing but always courteous and atten-
tive to women for Margaret's sake
Now he could not take his eyes
from the girl, but sat there trying tc
realize that l. was not merely d
fancy. Then, with an imperiOus
gesture 20 stately, white-haired
man beside her, she said: "See
there are two seats" Then, quietly
she took the vacant seat in front OF
Lanier. Could he be dreamiugi
Had all the years been as nothingi
The enthusiasm all over the house
was growing wilder the music anc
the cheers of the brave old "Rebs'
were deafening, but what careC
Rober Lanier for music, comrades
or memories of the past. Was no
Margaret with him?
How long he sat thus he could not
tell, but at last he saw her rise, then
he uttered one sound, Margaret ,
The girl turned, Papa, did yor
hear my name?"
Then Lanier, realizing what hi
had done, addressed the father
hoping, in some way, to make
PREPARATION for his rudeness. lex
cuse me, sir" he said, "but are yOl
in any way connected with tht
Deans who, long ago, lived on the
Franklin pike?"
The gentleman turned and an
swered, My wife was Margare
Dean. | am Capt. Lee, of Austin
May ask your name?"
Robert Lanier, sir" replied
Lanier in his quiet way.
Then Capt. Lee presented hi
daughter, Margaret"
1t was Margaret come back t.
him! The same fair Margaret, i
seemed, only brighter, more beauti
full, and with strong free wa!
about her which had not belonged
to the Margaret of the past.
Capt. Lee was delighted to NEE
anyone who had known his dea
wife, so urged Mr.. Lanier to furthe
his acquaintance while he and hi
daughter should remain in the city
Robert Lanier's youth seemed t,
come back to him. Every day h
saw her; not an hour passed that h
did not think of her. All the pen
up love of years seemed shOweret
upon this Margaret, so like the on
of long ago.
Then she told him how her mothe
had loved Robert Lanier who hat
been killed in the battle of Frank
lin, and because of her grief, he
father had taken her far away
where after several years, she hat
been wooed and won by Capt. Lee.
Then, one night, sitting on tn
margin of the Lake, amidst tn
Fairyland of lights and music, h
told his story to Margaret Lee, con
fessed how strong his love for he
had grown, fed by the memories o
the past aud her sweet presence
With her dear hand in his he hear
her renew, it seemed to him, tn
pledge made so long ago by tn
other Margaret.
JEANNE SCoTr GLOsTER.