Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1912-02-16
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dozen stories about the affair flying
around, and those most interested wiz
not talk, out one OF your special
friends, Ind to my notion 3 most
charming young woman, will be in
here to see me sometime this after
noon. She will be delighted to meet
you again, I'm sure"
One of my friends?" questioned
tremendously, vet instantly thinking
ing of Edith Brennan. "a young wo-
MANI"
Sure; at least she has confessed
enough to me regarding that nights
work to make me strongly suspicious
that Captain Wayne, of the Confed-
cate Army and Colonel Curran, late
OF Major-General Halleck's staff. are
one and the same person. A mighty
neat trick, by Jove. and It would have
done you good to see SheridaD's face
when they told him. But about the
young lady-she claims great friend
ship witt the gallant Colonel of light
artillery and her description of his APP
pearance al the ball is assuredly a
masterpiece of romantic fiction Come,
Captain. surely you are not the kind
OF man to forget pretty face like
that? can assure you, you--made a.
deep Impression. There are times
when ! am almost Jealous Of you"
But protested. my heart beat
ing rapidly, Il met several that eve
ming, and you have mentioned no
name"
Well. to me it chances there is
but one worthy of MENTION he said
earnestly. land that ono is Celia
Minor
Miss Minor!" felt strange sense
Of disappointment. Does she come
alone?"
Most certainly; do you suppose she
could expose me in my present weak
state to the destinations Of any one
else?"
"Oh, SO the wind lies in that quar-
ter. does it, old fellow? l congratu-
late you, I'm sure"
My recollection of Miss Minor was
certainly a most pleasant one, and
recalled to memory the attractive pic
ture of her glossy black hair and
flashing brown eyes, yet felt ex-
ceedingly small interest in again meet
ing her. Indeed was asleep when
she finally entered. and it was the
sound of Cations voice that aroused
me and made me conscious of the
presence of others.
Il shall share these grapes with my
cot-mate over yonder," he said laugh
iIgly. BY the way. Celia, his voice
sounded strangely familiar to me
short time ago. Just glance over
there and see If he is any one you
know"
heard the soft rustic of skirts,
and. without smile, looked up into
her dark eyes. There was a sudden
start of pleased surprise.
Why" she exclaimed eagerly. lit
is Colonel Curran! Edith, dear, here
is the Rebel who pretended to be
Myrtle Curran's brother"
How the hot blooo leaped within nv
veins at mention of that name; but
before could lift my head she had
swept across the harrow aisle, and
was standing beside me- Wife, or
what, there vas 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 SO far apart.
Captain Wayne!" she cried, and
her loved hands fell insta-. fly upon
my own, where it rested without the
coverle. You here. and wounded p
! smiled up at her, feeling now that
my injuries were indeed trivial
Somewhat weakened by loss of
blood, Mrs. Brennan, but not danger
ously hurt" Then could not for.
bear asking softly. rs it possible you
can feel regret over injuries inflicted
upon Rebel?"
Her cheeks famed. and the audaci-
GUS words served to recall her to our
surroundings.
Even although love my country,
and sincerely hope for the downfall of
her enemies" she answered soberly.
= do not delight in suffering Were
you in that terrible cavalry charge?
They tell me scarcely mai among
item survived"
rode with my regiment"
! knew it was your regiment-the
name was upon every lip. and even
our own men unite in declaring it a
magnificent sacrifice, a most gallant
deed. You must know | thought in
stantly of you when was told it was
The act of the til Virginia"
There were tears in my eyes. /
Know, as listened to her. and my
heart warmed at this frank confes-
sion OF her remembrance.
\ am glad you cared sufficiently
Tor me- ! said gravelY. ITO hold me
!: your thought at such time. Our
command merely performed the work
given 1t, but the necessity has cost
us dearly You are yet at General
Shefidan's headquarters"
Only temporarily. and simply be-
cause there has been no opportunity
70 get away, the movements of the
army have been so hurried and I'm.
certain. Since the battls Miss Minor
mas desired to rema'- M.il esgired