The National tribune., 1906-03-29

company, OF which I was q member.
He was finc-looking fellow of about
50, reserved,and dignified in his man.
nef, solidarity IN his bearing and uni
versally esteemed by his comraS:as. He
had just been promoted for gallantry
at the battle. Off Fredericksburg. And
now that his sister had come to visit
him, we alb Thought he was the best
and the luckiest fellow in the world.
One Of tho officers gave up his hut
to the visitor during her stay. 1T was
more comfortable than artistic. The
walls were composed of logs: the door
OF pieces of,thardtack boxes; the roof
or canvas. la generous fire blaZed in
the rudely-fashiUned fireplace, and the
tiny tips of fragrant pine boughs
formed the carpet, while the bed was
OF the same material. Very much out
OF keeping with the rude interior was
n Northumberland mahogany easy
chair. Il relic of those days when the
prosperous gentlemen OF Virginia
adorned their homes with the products
of European workshops. This chair
had been taken from q deserted man.
sion on the banks OF the Rappahan-
mock.
AS the lady, escorted by her brother.
| emerged from the headquarters and
| walked slowly across the parade
ground, she was observed at distance
by the men with keen but respectful
interest. Not word was spoken un-
I'll She disappeared inside her door.
when rOusing cheer went up from
the whole command.
Col. Charles sent for me, and gave
me instructions to see that everything
possible was done for the comfort and
protection of the lady during her visit.
| did not need to be urged. l placed
guard with loaded musket near her
hut, but at such a distance as not to
attract her attention, and she was
blissfully unconscious of the pains
taken to protect her. An orderly was
dispatched to the Brigade Commits
sary's for some extra fine rations, and
| our old suffers stony heart was touch
ed and he contributed some delicacies.
The best cook in the regiment was
detailed to prepare meals for her. She,
no, doubt, believes to this day that all
the men were fed with tenderloin
steaks. roast beef. vegetables. soft
bread and butter, coffee with milk. and
various kinds OF desserts.
Nothing was thought or talked Of
that evening but the advent Of our fair
visitor. 1t soon became whispered
about that she was from New York
City and was very wealthy. Additions
were made as the story went around
came In the eyes Of the soldiers almost
superior being, endowed with both
beauty and riches.
Browney was excused from duty
during MS sister Visit / suppose, as
1 was Orderly Sergeant OF the COM
pany, that he deemed it but proper
that he should invite me to call on
Miss Browney which he did the after
noon OF the second day. She was a
brunette of about "a or 25 years Of
age, with q refined and intelligent
countenance. In form she was rather
slender and in movement exceedingly
graceful. Her keen, restless black
eyes made one feel that nothing es-
capped their observation. She was
| dressed richly but plainly. 1t was no
unusual event in those stirring times
| OF war to meet women whose hearts
and souls were wrapt up in their cOun-
try's cause, SO that I was not at all
surprised to find that Miss Browney
| loved to talk Of army matters better
than anything else.
| She told me her home was In New
York, but having near relatives in
Philadelphia she had spent a year
there in the hospitals and in the Vol
unteer Refreshment Saloon which be-
came SO famous during the war. After
a brief vacation in New York, she was
| to return to Philadelphia and again
take up her, work as q hospital nurse.
MY brother had hoped to obtain q
furlough and spend a few days with
me during my vacation. but he could
| not SO I thought I would come to him.
I am afraid I've put you to lots OF
trouble" tui