Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1901-11-15
DAPPLE'S
MISTRESS
A Story of the Civil War.

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stop. Dapple. We must look to
this"
The scene was green stretch Of
summer lawn In front Of fine old
Virginia farmhouse; the speaker
slight, bright fnced girl, gracefully
mounted ON II small, gray pony.
Tie 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 muffled roll Of
drum or the shrill bray of bugle.
Old Virginia. the queen mother Of the
sunny south. was overrun 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 PROSTATE figure under the
shade of the great cottonwood tree.
stop Dapple. We must look to
this"
Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene
lcaped lightly from her saddle. and,
throwing the sllkcn reins over the
pony's neck. she went tripping across
the grounds to the spot where the
figure lay.
1t was n tall. soldieliy 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 fClloww she murmured, laying
her soft hand upon his brow. II wish
l could help him."
The soft voice and the softer touch
called back the veterans wandering
senses. lie 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
stirred afresh. She smoothed back the
tangled curIs from tho soldiers brow.
my poor fellow" she said Can |
do anything for your"
He struggled up to bis elbow. with
Btihed groan.
my horse threw me-" he explained,
"and they left me behind. think |
must have tainted from the pnin.
THINK you very much. but ! emit see
how you cal help me. | suppose must
lie here I'll they take me prisoner, and
I'd almost NJ soon be shot"
Irene smiled II smile that lighted her
dark. bright face into positive beauty.
II am Ia the enemy's country" she
said. "but If you will trust me think
can help you. ri least ! will SEQ that
you are refreshed and made comfort
able"
She put her hand to her bosom. and
dra wing forth tiny whistle she put 1t
to her lips and blew a sharp little blast.
Dapple pr cked up his gray ears ana
came cantrr!ng to her side. followed
instantly by colOred manservant.
"You see" smiled Miss Irene. fash
Ing bcamIng glance Oh the soldier,
81 hold my reserve forces at
moments warning. Here. James. help
this gentleman to the horse and then
ride for Dr. Wertcr to dress his limb
James 0bcycd without word. ana 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 veranda. Irene
kept watch. her slight, willowy hgure
vruupcd IN u scarlet mantle, her hOssy.
raven trcssc1 floating on the winds.
By mud by. as the midnight stars
came out and gllttered overhead. above
the dreamy flow Of the river, above the
miirunur aud rustic OF the forest leaves,
arose the clash and clang. the rom and
trnmp. Of advancing troops.
Ir.ne's dark face flushed and her lus-
trous eyes dllatcd. She crossed the
verandn with swift step and tapped
lightly at the door Of her guests cham
Der.
"They are coming" she whispered.
"Tbcy viii take you prisoner II you re-
main. You must 60"
The soldier started to his feet and
made his way out. but he reeled against
the doorpost. faint and gasplng for
breath
81 can't walk" he cried. There's no
hope Of escape"
But Irene held out her 1.-THE. young
arm.
Eyes. there IT," she said cheerfully.
Lean on me. can help you down.
and you shnll ride Dapple. He knows
the river road. aud you will oVertake
your comrades By dawn. Hurry; there
is no time to lose"
The soldier leaned upon the brave.
helpful young arm and succeeded In
reaching the lawn below.
"Dappie." the young girl called In her
clear. silver notes, come herev
In d breath DapDle was at her SIDE.
Tho girl stood and looked at the gen
tie creature and then threw her hrms
around his neck.
"Oh. Dapple, pretty Dapple." she sob
bed, at breaks my heart to part from
you! GOOdby, Dapple"
In the next breath she stood erect