Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-25
CHAPTER xxIII-Continued.

How the hot blood leaped WITHIN my
veins at mention of that name; but before
L could life my head she had swept across
the narrow aisle and was standing beside
me. Wife, or what there was that within
her eyes which told me a wondrous story.
For the instant. in her surprise and agita
ton, she forgot herself, and lost that
marvellous self-restraint which had held us
50 far APART.
Capt Wayne she cried, and her gloved
hands fell instantly upon my own, where 1t
rested without the coverlet. You here,
and wounded?'
l smiled up at her, feeling now that my
injuries were indeed trivial
Somewhat weakened by loss of blood,
Mrs Brennan, but not dangerously hurt"
Then l could not forbear asking softly, rs
il possible you can feel regret over IN
juries inflicted upon rebel?
Her cheeks famed, and the audaclous
words served to recall her to our sur
roundings.
Even although I love my country. and
sincerely hope for the downfall of her
enemies" she answered soberly, Il do not
DELIGHT in suffering Were r yeg ten fh me
scarcely man among them survived
Il rode with my regiment
II knew 1t was your regiment-the name
was upon every lip, and even our own
sacrifice, a most gallant deed. You must
know / thought instantly of you when l
was told it was the act of the tn Vir-
ginia.''
There were tears in my eyes, l know, as
l listened to her, and my heart warmed at
this frank confession of her remembrance
Il am glad you cared sufficiently
in your thought at such tune.
Our command merely performed the work
given it. but the necessity has cost us
dearly. You are yet at Gen. sheridan S
headquarters"
Only temporarily, and simply because
there has been opportunity to get away,
the movements of the army nave peen SO
hurried and uncertain. Since the Dattle
Miss Minor has desired 10 remain until as
sured of Lieut.. Cations permanent recov-
cry. He was most severely wounded, and
of course | could not well leave her here
alone. Indeed / am her guest, as We de-
part tomorrow for her home, to remain
Indefinitely"
But Miss Minor is, l understand, ma
tive of this State?"
Her home is in the foothills of the Blue
Ridge, along the valley of the Cowskin-a
most delightful old southern mansion. l
passed one summer there when mere girl,
previous to the war
But will it prove safe for you now?
"Oh indeed, yes; everybody says so. 1t is
entirely out of the track of both armies,
and has completely escaped despolation."
i was not thinking of the main comba-
tants, but rather of those irregulars who
will be most certain to invade promptly any
j confess to fearing greatly that there will
be an early outpouring of these rascals
from the mountains into the adjacent low
lands the moment We compelled to fall
back and let loose the iron grip with which
we have held them thus far partially in
check. Yet 1 do not say this to brighten
you, or in any way spoil the pleasure of
your contemplated visit"
Indeed / shall not permit it. So many
have assured me 1t would be perfectly safe
that l do not mean to worry. l expect to
be very happy there until the war is over.
Surely, Capt. Wayne, 1t cannot long con-
tinue now?"
Her voice was low, earnest, almost sup
plicating.
1T looks hopeless, even from our stand
point. l admit" 1 returned, watching the
straying sunlight play amid the dusky coils
of her hair. yet we are not likely to yield
until We must"
But you, Capt. Wayne; surely YOU have
already risked enough?'
Il presume l am prisoner I answered
smiling, and therefore unable 81 present to
choose my future; but We're flee to do so,
] Should return to my command tomorrow"
Yet surely you do not consider that this
terrible rebellion is justified, is right?'
I think there is. undoubtedly. much
wrong upon both sides Mrs Brennan: but
am soldier, and my duty is very simple
! follow my flag and as Virginian am
loyal to my state and to the principles
taught me in my childhood"
Her beautiful eyes filed with tears and
as she bent down her head that the others
might not perceive her agitation one salty
drop fell upon my hand.
1t is all so very, very sad" She said
softly. '-'N
There is much suffering upon both sides
but surely even you would not wish me to
be other than true to what l look upon as
duty
No: IL think II respect You the
more" -
Then YOU do respect me?'
Another word a far stronger one from,
bled upon my lips. yet restrained if stern.
~, and asked all l dared.
do. earnestly, her eyes dwelling upon
my face. Nf0-i
Il may not comprehend how YOU can view
matters from your standpoint for I am in
Jun sympathy with the Union, and am a
s MoiiiaI T. but l believe you to be honest,
ana l Know you TO be gallant SOLDIER
clasped her hand close within my own.
-FOUR words encourage me greatly l
said earnestly. Il have done so much to
bring you trouble and sorrow that T haye
been fearful lest 1t had cost me what I
know" N'0
stantly brought back to her memory
winch seemed barrier between US l read
the change in her averted face
mat can never be, Captain Wayne"
ehe returned calmly, yet rising even as she
spoke. You have come into my life under
circumstances so peculiar to make me
always your friend. Celia" and she turned
toward the others, ''is it not time we We're
going? l am very sure the doctor s lid YOU
were TO remain with Lieutenant Cation but
q brief time
WHY, Edith retorted the other gayly
VI have been ready for half an hour
haven't |. Arthur?-but you were so deeply
engrossed with your rebel l hadn't the
heart to interrupt"
I could see the quick color as It mounted
over Mrs. Rrennans throat
Nonsense" she answered; I'VE have
pot been here that length of time
Did the major emerge from out the late
ENHANCEMENT unhurt?' 1t was Cations
voice that spoke.
Much to his regret believe he was not
even under fre.' The tone was cool and
coiiected again II will say goodbye lieu
tenant; doubtless shall see you at Noun
tain View sc soon as you are able to take the
journey And, Captain Wayne, | trust l
shall soon learn of your complete recovery"
My eyes followed them down the long
aisle. At the entrance she glanced back
and lifted my hand Whether she marked
the gesture do not know, for the next in
slant both ladies had disappeared without
Cation endeavored to talk with me- but /
answered him so briefly. and with such
vague knowledge of what had been said
that he soon desisted ] could see only the
face that had so lately bent above me- and
reflect upon the fate which held me helpless
In its grasp. / felt that had circumstances
l,.4.