The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1904-02-26


way.
At last the fateful day arrived. The
orders to march had come. In a few
hours the company of brave young souls
would be on their way to the field OF
honor-and of death. All was hustle
and excitement in the camp on the
green. In the homes were women's tears
and breaking hearts. AS from the be-
ginning, it was mems to do and work,
women's to wait and weep.
On the rose-clad porch Of a pretty cot
tage stood 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 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 whoit was the mo-
ment she heard his step. The color re-
turned to her cheek. She looked into
his eyes with smile.
Il 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
III did not think it was quite fair to
string things along the same as when
we all were here on the same footing"
I She threw up one hand In involuntary
protest-as II to ward . blow.
Il beg your pardon" he went on. Il
did not mean to chide you in any way.
was only explaining myself. Ifelt hurt
because you would not choose. and
did mean and cowardly thing"
She raised her hand. deprecatingly.
Eyes. did," he went on sturdily. 81
said something about Ralph which
would have been inexcusable il it were
true-but it was false. and I knew It.
It 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 = Drawer man to
stay ut home than am to go to the war.
It 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 he left
the room without signing the roll. Capt.
Chalmers said: There. boys, IL . man
Who il showing higher courage than
It win take to face bullets and bayonets.
Pray God that you al may Se a true to
your duty q he II to HIS knew 1t,
Helen, when made the cowardly fling
ut him In your presence for not enlist
Ing. have asked his pardon. I ask
yours. and say to you that Ralph is .
Drawer man for staying 1t home than
am for going to the front. And-and-
he IL worthy Of the love of any girl"
The bugles sang sharp call, the drums
ratified. and the young soldier half
turned to 30.
.Good-by." he said, with half sob.
God bless you''
Robert!" screamed the girl, rs he
turned away. Come back one minute. !.
He turned back just in time to catch
her in his arms
Robert Robert. she whispered, AZ
she hung about his neck. 1T is you l
want, and have wanted all the time
only-only-I thought you were unfair.
Oh. am % happy"
a great Joy leaped into the youths
face. He kissed the upturned lips rap
turously.
The bug1es shrieked again, the drums
beat 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 Z moment his voice could be
heard repeating the commands. Az the
retreating sounds Of the marching men
were heard the girl still stood on the
rose-clad porch. and In her eyes shone
the sweetest light ever given to man to
see.
I-sZ