Morgan County democrat. (Versailles, Mo.) 1900-1906, 1904-01-29

women OF the town were sewing indus
triCusly upon a big flag.
The two youths looked into each 9th.
er's eyes with untlinching gaze. Then
each turned on his Heel and went his
way.
At last the fateful day arrived. The
orders to march had come. In n few
hours the company of brave young souls
would be on their way to the field OF
honur-and of death. All was hustle
and excitement in the camp on tho
green. In the homes were women's tears
and breaking hearts. AS from the be-
ginning, 1t was mems to do and work,
women's to wait and weep.
On the rose-clad porch of a pretty cot.
tage stood a girl Of IS. Her eyes were
dim with unshed tears, the roses had de-
serted her cheeks. The sharp COM
mands on the green and the shrill calls
of the bugle smote upon her breast. The
time for the departure of the company
was but a half hour away.
A quick step r~esounded on the walk.
the gate was flung open and the young
lieutenant stood before her, hat in hand
n with a strange, pale dignity in his
face.
The girl had known who II was the mo.
ment she heard his step. The color re-
turned TO her cheek. She looked into
his eyes with a smile.
Il thought o would not 60 away
without saying good-by, Robert" she
said.
Il intended to-" he replied, steadily.
IL am very human, Helen, and | love
you more than you can understand. |
i thought it just and right that | should
have an answer before | ~went-away. |
i did not think it was quite fair to
string things along the same as when
we all were here on the same footing
She threw up one hand in involuntary
protcst-as if to ward a blow.
Il beg o u pardon" he vent IN. Il
did not mean to chide you in any way.
| was only explaining myself, Ifelt hurt
because you would not choose. and
did u mean and cowardly thing"
She raised her hand. deprecatingly.
Eyes. | did" he went on sturdily. Il
said something about Ralph which
would have been ~inexcusable If 1t were
true-but II was false, and | knew It.
1t was my hot blood that spoke, and |
have been sorry ever since. could not
go away without telling you"
Helen" he went on, Strengthening
and placing his left hand on the hilt OF
his sword, Ralph Is a Drawer man to
stay at home than | am to &c to the war.
1t nearly broke his heart the night we
formed the company. But there was no.
body to care for his mother and grand
mother. and II he left the place they
would literally have become paupers.
He fairly gritted his teeth when h. left
the without signing the roll. Capt.
Chalmers said: There. boys, is n man
who is showing n higher courage than
it will take to face bullets and bayOnets.
Pray Goo that you all may re as true to
your duty as he is to his | knew it,
Helen, when | made the cOwardly fling
at him in yOur presence for not enlist
ing. ! have asked his pardon. | asl;
yours, and ! say to you that Ralph is a
Drawer man for staying at home than |
am for going to the front. And-and-
he is worthy Of the love of any girl"
The bnglcS san a sharp call, the drums
ratified, and the young soldier half
turned to go.
"Good-by," he said, with a half sob.
God bless you"
Robert" screamed the girl. as Ia
turned away. Come back one minute.
lie turned back just in time to catch
her ia his arms.
"RObert-Robert." she whispered. as
she hung about his neck. at Is you
want, and have wanted all the time
only-only-I thought you were unfair
Oh, | am so happy"
A great JOY leapcd into the youths
face. lie kissed the upturncd lips rap
turously.
The bugles shrieked again, the drums
beat more sharply, sharp commands
J rang from across the way. The lieuten-
ant gave the girl one last passionate EN-.
brace and sprang lightly toward the
gate. In n moment his voice could b'
heard repeating the commands. A. thu
retreating sounds of the marching Nor
were heard the girl still stood on the
rose-clad porch. and In ner eyes shonc
the sweetest light ever given TO man tc
soe.