Connecticut western news., 1901-10-31
DAPPLE'S
 MISTRESS
A Story of the Civil War.

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 "Stop, Dapple. We must look to this.'
 The scene was a green stretch of summer lawn in front of fine old Virginia farmhouse; the speaker 6 slight, bright faced girl, gracefully mounted on a small. gray pony. The sun was dropping out of sight behind the green hills, and far away down the silver bend of the Accoceek came the tramp of retreating troops, with now and then the muff1ed roll of a drum or the shrill bray of bugle. Old Virginia, the queen mother of the sunny south, was oyerrun with soldiers. devastated by fire and sword, shaken to her very foundations by the thun- ders of the civil war.
 Colonel Moreton was far away from his pleasant home in the front ranks of death and danger; but Irene. his only child, still braved the terrors of invasion and remained at the farm house with her invalid mother and a few faithful old servants.
 Gathering across the grounds an hour after the retreat of the invading troops. something attracted the young lady's notice-a prostrate figure under the shade of the great cottonwood tree.
 Stop, Dapple. We must look to this."
 Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene leaped lightly from her saddle, and, throwing the silken reins over the pony's neck. she went tripping across the grounds to the spot where the figure lay. /
 It was tall. soldierly figure, clad in army blue. with pale. worn face and an abundance of curling chestnut hair.
 Colonel Moreton's daughter looked down upon the senseless soldier with all her woman's divine compassion stirring within her bosom.
 Poor fellowr' she murmured, laying her soft hand upon his brow. "I wish could help him."
 The soft voice and the softer touch called back the veterans wandering senses. He opened his eyes and looked up in the young lady's face. Great. luminous, handsome eyes they were. that somehow reminded Irene of her brother Toms eyes, and Tom was down in the trenches in front of Rich mond. The compassion in her heart yft ho l,a tangled curls from the soldiers brow.
 "My poor fellowr she said. Gan do anything for you?" He struggled up to his elbow, with a stif1ed groan.
 My horse threw me-" he explained, land they left me behind. I think must have fainted from the pain. thank you very much, but I can't see how you can help me. I suppose I must lie here till they take me prisoner. and I'd almost as soon be shot" Irene smiled-a smile that lighted her dark. bright face into positive beauty. T am in the enemy's country" she said. "but if you will trust me think can help you. at least l will see that you are refreshed and made comfort. able"
 She put her hand to her bosom. and drawing forth tiny whistle she put 1t to her lips and blew a sharp little blast. Dapple pricked up his gray ears and came cantering to her side. followed instantly by colored manservant. "You see," smiled Miss Irene, fash ing a beaming glance on the soldier. 'I hold my reserve forces at a moments warning. Here. James. help this gentleman to the horse and then | ride for Dr. Werter to dress his limb." James obeyed without a word. and by | the time the sun was fairly out of sight the Union soldier. refreshed and made comfortable. lay asleep in the best chamber of the pleasant old southern mansion.
 Meanwhile, on the long yeranda, Irene
 kept watch, her slight. willowy figure wrapped in a scarlet mantle. her fiossy, raven tresses floating on the winds. By and by. as the midnight stars came out and glittered overhead. above murmur and rustic of the forest leaves arose the clash and clang. the roar and | tramp. of advancing troops. Irene's dark face flushed and her lus- | trous eyes dilated. She crossed the veranda with a swift step and tapped
 lightly at the door of her guests cham | Der.
 "They are coming" she whispered
 '"They will take you prisoner If you re
 main. You must go."
 | The soldier started to his feet and
 made his way out. but ke reeled against
 the doorpost, faint and gasping for breath.
 1 can't walkp he cried. "There's nc
 hope of escaper' | But Irene held out her 1.-the. young arm.
 "Yes. there is," she said cheerfully
 "Lean on me. l can help you down
 and you shall ride Dapple. He knows
 the river road. and you will overtaks your comrades by dawn. Hurry; ther, | Is no time .o lose"
 | The soldier leaned upon the brave helpful young arm and succeeded II | reaching the lawn below. "Dapple." the young girl called In be | clear, silver notes, "come herew
 In Q breath Dapple was at her side
 The girl stood and looked at the gen tie creature and then threw her arm | around lis neck.
 "Oh. Dapple. pretty Dapple." she sob
 bed. Tt breaks my heart to part iron | you! Goodby. Dapplew In the next breath she stood erect