Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1900-08-11
THE SOLDIER
The Story of His Mignonettes.


One dreamy, drowsy afternoon to
ward the end Of June, having nothing
particular to do, I sauntered in the
direction of the Chelsea College gar
1ens. This shady little nook holds the
home of some of our old soldiers. There
they sat, in solemn rows Of fours and
fives, on the wooden benches in the
cool, green avenue, dreaming away
the long summer afternoon, while they
watched the children at play on the
grass before them.
A great longing came over me to
learn something of their lives.
If could come across one alone,
thought, there might be chance of it.
So, with a lingering backward look at
the old fellows / walked on until l
came to a more secluded part of the
gardens, where the pensioners culti-
waited little plots Of ground and sold
flowers and ferns to the nurses and
children, the proceeds of which en-
ahled them to buy tobacco and rum
and other small Injuries.
It had been intensely hot, but now
a refreshing breeze was tossing the
lilac and laburnum trees, and in the
cool of the day the old men were all
hard at work, watering, wedding and
raking away, while they smoked and
changed opinions as to their respective
nurseries.
Crossing the gravel path, I came
upon a bed composed entirely Of mig
nonette. d, It's fragrance was delight
full and paused a moment to enjoy
the sceat. EF
This little garden excited my curios-
ity, and I looked with interest at the
gardener. His face was thin and lined,
with an expression Of settled melan-
choly on it, but there was something in
the large, dark eyes and sensitive
mouth that took my fancy.
Here is an opportunity" thought.
HE looks like a nice, approachable
old man and, dare say, would be glad
to have aschat"
At that moment, as fffby some sud
den transition of mind, he glanced up
and fixed his speaking orbs on me.
what lovely mignonettew ex-
claimed by way Of opening fire.
He Smiled, but it was such sad
asn1iles i wished he hadn't. It somehow
made me feel sick and sorry.
Let me cut you some, madam" he
said gravely. II will in a moment, if
you can wait"
"'Please, oh, should like nothing bet
4erv' l answered, seating myself and
looking on contentedly, while my new
friend went to work with long pair
of rusty scissors.
His face interested me, strangely,
none the less when noticed that the
Victoria cross adorned his breast. How
could get him to talk?"
'May I ask why you cultivate only
one flowerY 1 inquired, with sudden
inspiration.
He looked at me again in that intense
way of his for at least a minute with
out speaking, then said irreleyantly:
"You have a good, kind face, lady,
and"-
He paused. -
'"Thank you for saying So" rejoin-
ed, somewhat tamely, feeling baff1ed
and wondering what was coming next.
"You asked me just now why only
grew one flower. will tell you if you
care to listen"
eyes," 1 replied eagerly; ST am all at
tention."
1T happened so long ago, yet it seems
only like yesterday. Mignon, Mignong'
he half murmured to himself.
al coughed softly to remind him of my
presence.
Lady, did you ever love any one
very dearlyY' he asked abruptly.
"Have IT' / returned, somewhat tax
en- aback by this unexpected question.
swell, yes, I have been fond of several
people have met at different times of
my life," was my discreet rejoinder.
'NThose two were the only ones /
cared for in this world-Mignon and
Ralph Stanley"
'Who was MignonY" queried gen
lily, for the old mans face was full Of
emotion when he spoke her name.
81 always called her Mignon and so
did he,'' he continued, without needing
me; s'the name suited her so well She
was never without a slip Of this
touching the flowers in my lap-'in her
belt or gown. She had passion for
mignonette. That is why we called
her Mignon, and she was as sweet as
the flower itself, with her bluebeIl eyes
and nut brown hair"
"Who was this other?" l ventured to
ask after pause.
Again the veteran seemed to forget
my existence as he sighed and said
musingly:
1To think that I never guessed it.
And they were such a bonny pair too.
She could not help loving him, the gen.
ial, handsome laddie. Men and officers
alike in our regiment simply adored
him."
''He served with you, thenY'
>eYes, but was only in the ranks,
while he held a commission"
Yet you were friendsY
Friends aye, that we were; from
our schoolboy days we were chums.
When Ralph was sent to the Crimean
T 49,. y,