Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1904-02-13

and excitement in the camp on m.
green. In the homes were women's fears
and breaking hearts. AS from the be-
ginning, 1t was mems to do and work
womens to wait and weep.
On the roSe-clad porch of n nrettv cot
tase stood girl of is. Her eyes wers
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 half hour away.
A quick step resounded on the walk.
the gate was flung open and the young
lieutenant stood before her, hat in hand
and with strange, pale dignity in his
! face.
The girl had known who it was the mo-
ment she heard his step. The color re-
! turned to her cheek. She looked into
his eyes with smile.
thought you would not go 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.
II thought it just and right that should
nave an answer before went-away. I
II did not think 1t 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
protest-as If to ward blow.
Il beg your pardon" he went on T
ala not mean to chide you in any way.
l was only explaining myself. Ifelt hurt
because you would not choose. and I
ala mean and cowardly thing"
she raised her hand, deprecatinsly.
yes, did" he went on sturdily. ct
SAID something about Ralph which
would have been inexcusable if il were
true-but it was false, and / knew II
IL was my hot blood that spoke, and I
nave 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
MS sword, Ralph is q Drawer man to
stay at home than am to 60 to the war.
it nearly broke his heart the night we
formed the company. But there was no
Body to care for bis mother and grand
mother, and If he left the place thew
would literally have become paupers.
He fairly gritted his teeth when he left
the room without signing the roll. Can't.
Chalmers said: There, boys. In a man
who is showing higher courage than
IL VIII take to face bullets and bayonets.
Fray God that you all may be as true to
your duty as he is to his / knew il.
Helen, when 1 made the cowardly fling
60
ing. | have asked his pardon. I ask
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 bugies sang 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 he
turned away. Come back one minute"
lie turned back just in time to catch
her in his arms
"Robert-Robert," she wbisnared nc
she hung about his neck. ct is Won
want, and have wanted all the time
only-only-I thought you were unfair
oh, / am so happy"
A great joy leaped into the voutb,s
face He kissed the upturned lips ran
turously.
Inc Dugles shreked again. the drums
peat more sharply. sharp commands
rang from across the way. The lieuten-
ant gave the girl one last passionate en-
brace and sprang lightly toward the
gate. In moment his voice could he
'heard repeating the commands. AS the
re'reating sounds of the marching men
were heard the girl still stood ON the
rose-ciad porch, and in her eyes sbone
the sweetest light ever given to man to