Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1900-06-06

Then Cynthia's eyes fell, and she
stammered something and came back
Into the house before he could answer.
he looked after her as II he would fol
low and tell her more, but instead turn
ed and walked Off rapidly.
AS 1 was going up stairs the next
morning 1 stopped on the landing to
rest, for 1 was spent with much watch
ing the night before.
Sister Cynthia" 1 heard the young
soldier say, Il must ask you TO write
another letter for me. I have waited.
hoping to gain strength myself. but
He stopped, and l noticed that bis
voice was weaker
Yea, certainly" she said, and
heard her getting the paper. Il am
ready" she added after a pause. "Is
1t to be TO your mothery"
No. he answered and grew silent.
There is such a thing as pure love-"
he said presently. "A man can care
for woman for herself. for the soul Of
her; he can work for her suffer for
her, die for her. If need be. How can
this pure feeling be confounded with
that foul thing lust? Don't you see
what l meang"
Yea she said softly.
"And l am not asking you to do
wrong 10 write 20 her for me?"
Nay" she said. and her voice sound
ed far away.
All. why did I not 20 I'm then? Why
did l sit there. poor weak. old wom-
an. and listen with tears in nv eyes To
MS beautiful love words. SO tender and
gentle and sad and brave. He forgot
her who wrote and spoke as though
he were face 10 face with the other
one; his voice grew full AMI round
again. AMI the tones OF IL made me-
tromble as I sat there on the steps.
When he came 10 close and say good
by. ! could not bear il and stole softly
back down stairs.
cynthia came down presently. and
her lashes were still wet with tears.
The next morning was unnaturallv
still with bits Of tender blue sky be
tween the ilcccy mists. soon n wind
hlew up. dra wing one wide. filmy cloud
across the sky-a gray. cold cloud
that. thickcning. hung drearily above
the emptr world. where the wind bluS-
tered through lcafess trees.
The young soldier was worse. His
breathing was slow and heavy. and
now and then faint moan passed his
lips. Cynthia sat watching him with
the lines drawn tight at her mouth and
her big eyes tense. sent her out but
soon saw her coming back across the
bleak meadows with her eyes bent 10
the ground
a. srrs r.t- q f1,-- 9
the afternoon and talked in broken
scraps about his home and the days
when he was boy. He fell asleep at
last, just aS the gray day was slip
ping of over the hills. went TO my
own room for awhile. and soon l heard
Brother PauIs familiar step. Cynthia
mouOned him 10 seat NJ the foot OF
the bed, and presently l heard her
speaking in low voice.
There was something he wanted 10
tell YOU, Brother Paul" she said.
Perhaps ought TO do il. for he may
talk of ii in his delirium" She paused.
He cares for somcbody-a woman"
was glad she didn't say love.
Yes" said Brother Paul. with a sud
den anxiety in his deep voice.
He wanted YOU To know that his
love was pure; that love can be pure"
Il know it already" he said. his voice
trembling.
You She stopped suddenly.
Yes lie paused and then was
about TO speak when the young soldier
interrupted.
Louise" he said, his voice clear and
ringing again, my dear Louise. knew
you would come" His hand was out
stretched, and Cynthia took II without
hesitation Hurrying in. l could see
the peaceful look on his face as she
bent over him.
1T hurts me TO breathe, Louise" he
said presently. Lift me up, won't
you?"
Cynthia put her arm under him and
lifted him until his head rested on her
own bosom. Then he drew long
breath and smiled.
Il am going now, Louise" he said,
and, raising his arm he brought her
head down until her lips touched his.
His breath came deep and peaceful,
and then Cynthia unclaSped his arm
and laid him back on the pillow dead;
but new light shone in her face. The
unknown something had come and she
knew it.-LOuiSVille COurier-JOurna