Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-03-27

Of the war; and our plantation near
harlottesville has been constantly in
the track Of the armies One rather
important battle. indeed, was fought
upon it, so you may realize that it IL
now desolate and utterly unfit for hab-
itation." ~
Tho house yet stands?''
"The chimney and one wall alone 70
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
homo when the war ceases; they
will prove tribe better than the
mere sky"
1.-THE south is certainly paying ter
rible price for rebellion" she said so
berly, her fine eyes filled with tears. II
am sure have tarried here quite as
long as I should, now that can be. of
no further service"
AS she gathered her skirts in her
hand preparatory to descending the
stairs, yielded to temptation and
stopped her. Right or wrong I must
yet have one word more.
II beg of you do not desert me SO
soon. This may prove our final meet
ing-indeed, I fear It must be: sure
ly, then, it need not be so brief .
one?"
~4V
| She echoed my words as though
scarcely comprehending their mean
ing.
Eyes," said, rising and standing be-
fore her. How can we hope 1t shall
be otherwise? am not free to re-
main here, even were it best for other
reasons, for am q 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 to do 30. My
work then viii! be to Join with my CON-
rades in an effort to rebuild the shat
tered fortunes of Virginia. When tho
lines of lives diverge so widely az
ours must, the chances are indeed few
that they ever meet again."
But surely you can remain here un-
j til we leave?" she questioned, evident
ly striving not to reveal the depth
of interest she felt in the decision. 1T
will not be until tomorrow that all de-
tails are arranged so as to permit of
our departure. I had supposed you
would certainly be with us until then"
MRS. Brennan!" exclaimed al
most passfonately, do not tempt me!
Your wish is temptation most Diff
cult to resist"
why resist, then?"
! She did not look at me, but stood
twisting handkerchief nervously
through her fingers. The abrupt ques-
ton 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" replied slow.
~, feeling each sentence as a death
| blow. For me to remain can mean
only one thing. For that I am ready
enough, II thought you desired it, but
: l dare not choose such a course my.
SELF"
You speak in riddles. What is the
one thing?"
"A personal meeting with Major
Brennan"
The high color deserted her cheeks,
and her eyes met mine in sudden in.
quiry. "Oh, no, MOI" she exclaimed
with energy. "You and Frank must
never meet in that way. You mean
a duel?"
bowed gravely. ri was permitted
/ to aid In defense Of this house only
by pledging myself to Major Brennan
afterwards"
But why need it beat least now
that you have stood together as com.
rades?"
II fear" I said quietly, that fact
will not count for much. We both
fought inspired by your presence"
"Mine!" hardly knew how to In.
terpret her tone.
"Certainly; you cannot be ignorant
that Major Brennan's 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 to ex-
plain" I interrupted, to relieve her evil
dent embarrassment. "His words, how.
ever, were extremely explicit; and to
ignore them by departure is to i'm
peril my own reputation in both arm
les. would do so for no one else in
the world but you.''
How can I ever thank you?" she
asked gravely. captain Wayne, you
make me trust you utterly, and place
me constantly in your debt"
Then you realize that I am right ?"
"Yes." slowly, but making no Of.
fort to release her hands. "Yet is no
other escape possible?"
"None within my knowledge"
"And you must go?"
II must go-unless you bid me
stay"
"Oh, I cannot: l cannot at such a
cost" she cried, and I could feel her
body tremble with the intensity of her
emotion. "But, Captain Wayne, our
friendship surely need not be severed
now for ever? I cannot bear to think
/ that it should be am no cold hea r..