The Somerset reporter., 1901-09-19
; DAPPLE'S
MISTRESS
A Story of the Civil War.

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 a
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 muffled roll of
a 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
few faithful old servants.
Gathering across the grounds an hour
after the retreat of the invading troops,
something attracted the young Iady'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
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.
1t was TALL soldierfy 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 womans divine compassion
stirring within her bosom.
Poor fellow" she murmured, laying
her soft hand upon his brow. II wish
I could help him"
TIE 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
stirred afresh She smoothed back the
tangled curls from the soldiers brow.
My poor fellow she said. Can l
do anything for your
He struggled up to his elbow, with
stifed groan.
"My horse threw me-" he explained,
land they left lie behind. think l
must have tainted from the pain. /
thank you very much, but l cant see
how you can help me. L suppose l must
lie here till they take the prisoner. and
I'd almost as soon be shot"
Irene smiled-a smile that lighted her
dark, bright face into positive beauty.
81 am In tie enemy's country" she
said, but If you will trust me think
can help you. at least | will see that
you are refreshed and made comfort
able"
She put her hand to her bosom. and
drawing forth a tiny whistle she put II
to her lips and blew n sharp little blast.
Dapple pricked up his gray ears and
came cantering to her side. followed
instantly by a colored manservant.
you see" smiled Miss Irene, fash
ing a beaming glance on the soldier.
81 hold my reserve forces at
moments warning. Here, James. help
this gentleman to the horse and then
ride for DIR. 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 scarlet mantle, her tossy,
raven tresses floating on the winds.
BY and by, as the midnight stars
came out and glittered overhead, above
the dreamy flow of the river. above the
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 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 CO."
The soldier started to his feet and
made his way out. but he reeled against
the doorpost, faint and gasping 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 Is" she said cheerfully.
Lean on me. can help you down,
and you shall 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.
"Dapple." the young girl called In her
clear, silver notes, "come herev'
In breath DaDnia waS at hor aIda