The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1913-02-28

ton, and l doubt II she even ye
knows the truth. Everything 4
SO confused in the capital tina
it 10 impossible to trace an,
one not directly connected with ths
army, once you lose exact knowIedg,
Of their whereabouts"
Your father, then. is deadf'
'"He yielded his life the first yeal
Of the war; and our plantation neal
Charlottesville has been constantly II
the track OF the armies. One rather
important battle. indeed. was fought
upon it, so you may realize that 1t Is
now desolate and utterly unit for hab
ttation."
"The house yet stands?"
"The chimney and one wall alone re
NAMED when was last there" re
piled, glad OF the interest she exhib-
lted Fortunately two Of the negro
cabins were yet standing. Doubtless
J these will form the nucleus of our
home when the war ceases; they
will prove trifie 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 I have tarried here quite as
long as 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 ! must
yet have one word more.
II beg of you do not desert me SO
soon. This may prove our final meet
lng-indeed, fear 1t must be; sure
ly, then, 1t need not be so brief q
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 1t shall
be otherwise? / am not FREQ to re-
main here, even were It best for other
reasons. for am a soldier under or
ders. You undoubtedly will proceed
north at the earliest possible moment.
There is scarcely q probability that in
the great wide world we shall meet
again"
THE war will soon be over; perhaps
then you may come north also"
Il scarcely expect to 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 un-
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. l had supposed you
would certainly be with US until then"
Mrs. Brennan!" exclaimed al
most passionately, do not tempt me!
Your wish is a 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-
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 1t is right" l. replied slow
ly, feeling each sentence az death
blow. For me to remain can mean
only one thing. For that / am ready
enough, If thought you desired 1t. but
/ dare not choose such 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, mol" she exclaimed
with energy. You and Frank must
mover meet in that way. You mean
duel?'
bowed gravely. 81 was permitted
to aid in defense Of this house only
by pledging myself to Major Brennan
afterwards"
But why need 1t beat least now
that you have stood together as COM
rades?"
Il fear" I said quietly, that fact
will not count for much. We both
fought inspired by your presence"
"Mine!" l hardly knew how to in
terpret her tone.
Certainly; you cannot be ignorant
that Major Hrennan's dislike is based
upon your friendship for me-"
But there is no reason she stam-
mered. HE has no cause"
His reason must leave him to ex-
plain" 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 your" she
| asked gravely. Captain Wayne. you
| make mo trust you utterly, and place
me constantly IN your debt
Then you realize that Lam riGhti'