The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-05-18

"She Ia In Richmond. stopping with
friends, but since my capture We have
lost all trace OF each other. / was
reported as having been killed In ac-
ton, and | doubt IL she even yet
knows the truth. Everything is
so confused In the capital that
II Is impossible TO trace any
one not directly connected with the
army, once you lose exact knowledge
of their whereabouts"
Your father. then. Is dead?"
HE yielded his life the first year
OF the war; and our plantation near
Charlottesville has been constantly In
the track OF the armies. One rather
important battle, indeed was fought
upon Il. so you may realize that II is
now desolate and utterly unfit for hab-
itation"
THE house yet stands?"
"The chimney and one wall alone re-
NAMED when | was last there" ! re-
piled, glad OF the interest she exhib-
tied. Fortunately two OF the negro
cabins were yet standing Doubtless
these will form the nucleus Of our
home when the war ceases; they
will prove a trife better than the
mere sky"
THE south is certainly paying ter
rible price for rebellion" she said so
berly. her fine eyes filled with tears. Il
am sure | have tarried here quite as
long az / should. now that | can be OF
no further service"
As she gathered her skirts in her
hand preparatory to descending the
stairs. / yielded 10 temptation and
stopped her. Right or wrong ! must
yet have one word more.
IT beg Of you do not desert me so
soon. This may prove our final meet
ing-indeed, l fear II must be; sure
ly. then. 1t need not be so brief
one?"
Our final meeting?"
She echoed my words as though
scarcely comprehending their mean
ing.
Yes" said, rising and standing be
fore her. How can we hope II shall
be otherwise? ] am not free to re-
main here. even were II best for other
reasons, for ! am a soldier under or
ders. You undoubtedly will proceed
north at the earliest possible moment.
There is scarcely a probability that in
the great wide world we shall meet
again"
THE war will soon be over; perhaps
then you may come north also"
II scarcely expect 10 do so My
work then will be TO join with my com.
rades in an effort TO rebuild the shat
tered fortunes Of Virginia. When the
lines OF lives diverge so widely as
ours must, the chances are indeed few
that they ever meet again"
but surely you can remain here I'M
I'll we leave?' she questioned, evident
ly striving not 10 reveal the depth
OF interest she felt in the decision 1T
will not be until tomorrow that all de
tails are arranged so as 70 permit OF
our departure l had supposed you
would certainly be with us until then"
Mrs Brennan!" I exclaimed al
most passlonately "do not tempt mel
Your wish is temptation most diff
cult TO resist"
why resist, them"
She did not look at me, but stood
twisting a handkerchief nervously
through her fingers. The abrupt ques-
tion startled me almost into full con-
fession. but fortunately my eyes
CHANGED TO fall upon her weddIng-ring
and instantly crushed the mad words
back into my throat
because It is right" l replied slow
ly. feeling each sentence as a death
blow For me 20 remain can mean
only one thing For that ! am ready
enough. If thought you desired It, but
! dare not choose such a course my.
self"
You speak in riddles what is the
one thng?"
"A personal meeting with Major
Brennan"
The high color deserted her cheeks,
and her eyes met mine IN sudden in
quiry. "Oh, no, nor she exclaimed
with energy you and Frank must
never meet IN that way. You mean
a duel?'
bowed grayely 81 was permitted
TO aid in defense OF this house only
by pledging myself TO Major Brennan
afterwards"
But why need IL beat least now
that you have stood together as com
rades2"
Il fear" I said quietly, that fact
will not count for much We both
fought inspired by your presence"
Nine" l hardly knew how to In
terpret her tone.
Certainly; you cannot be ignorant
that Major Brennans dislike is based
upon your friendship for me"
But there is no reason" she STAN
mered. He has no cause"
His reason ! must leave him 20 ex-
plain, / interrupted, TO relieve her evil
dent embarrassment "His words how