The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-12-26

The day approached for the company
to proceed to New Orleans for assign
ment to it's regiment and brigade, to be
forwarded to the front. The half
brothers held a long conference in the
plantation Office.
"Evariste," Horace said, Il do not
concur in the general belief that this
strife will end in 90 days. My fore
cast Is that it will extend into years
and will be fierce and desolating My
life has known three sweet affections
which have been as incense to it. The
Cove bore your mother still clings to
her memory. All my yearnings for
kinship have been conferred upon YOU.
whom I have cherished as son, brother
and friend and have sought to shield
from the rude experiences of life.
Though absent, I wish to leave my pro-
lection with you and for that entreat
you to promise that under no circum-
stances will you enter the military
service during the coming war: 1 leave
with you full authority to manage all
my interests, and this will supply you
with ample means to purchase exemp-
ton from any call which may be made
Or troops. Promise me, Evariste."
"Would not that be taken as coward
lce?' asked Evariste.
mot necessarily" replied Horace,
latter what I will say to our friends
on the subject. But, even if it should.
make that sacrifice for my sake and
give me your promise, for should you
enlist my anxiety for you would I'M
man me as soldier, and should you
be killed this would never be home for
me again. Promise me, my boy"
Evariste walked to the door and look
ed out into the starlit night. Return
ing, he gave his hand to Horace and
said, as if he had struggled:
Il promise, brother.''
81 thank you, Evariste Now let US
pass to another subject near my heart.
You know 1 have intended always to
divide with you all own. Such is still
my purpose. Perhaps it should have
been done in form before this, but you
have never intimated the wish, and I
have been much distracted by other
matters. But it is here provided for"
Giving him a sealed envelope, he con-
tinued: IF fall, open this and act up
on it. A second and last pledge you
must give me. I told you three affec-
lions have made life sweet to me. The
last, Evariste, is my love for Estelle
Latiolais.''
Evariste's heart suddenly ceased to
beat. He felt himself falling from his
chair, but clutched the arms with
Tightening grasp and by a supreme eff
fort of will restored his self command
without drawing his brothers notice.
The latter continued:
Il need not tell you what this love
is to me. You can we'll understand
that it is more than food, drink air,
rest or sleep. It is all that makes
life. Yet have never told her of nv
love-"
"You have notY' Evariste exclaimed
quickly.
81 have not"
"But you will before you go?' he ask
ed anxiously.
II will not" replied Horace and Eva
riste breathed freely.
'"The fate that awaits me as a SOL
dier," Horace resumed, "is so uncertain
that it would be unjust to leave her
plighted, though I knew my love to be
returned, and 1 have no such knowl-
edge. Now, Evariste, you are we'll
aware of the weakness of her old
grandfather and how proftless to her
is his guardianship-indeed, how sadly
she needs protection against his i'm
providence; also you cannot be ignorant
Of the baneful influence exercised over
the old gentleman by that conscience
less wretch Quillebert. Swear to me,
brother, by all you hold most sacred
that you will advise, aid and protect
her against the mischiefs these two
may work to her fortune and defend
her from danger and harm in every
form. place you on guard; give her
in charge to you. Swear you will pre-
serve her safe till my return" Oak
felps feelings had mastered him, and
his eloquent eyes welled over.
Il make the promise and swear to
keep it," said Evariste.
"a wealth of gratitude shall be your
reward" Horace cried, embracing him
warmly, and the brothers spoke good
night.
Wearing for the first time his mill
tary uniform. Oakfell paid his visit of
( TT53EI mn "a.