Year: 1867




The residence of the hospitable Duke
of Richmond was brilliantly lighted or
the evening of June 18th, 1915. Groups
of officers in various uniforms were
seen assembled in the ball room, many
of whom were probably assembled for
the last time. Among the ladies that
Ornamented the room, many of our
own country women might readily be
distinguished by the easy dignity OF
their manners from the vivacious for.
eigners with whom they were ming
led One of the most attractive of
these was Edith Myers. An artist
would not, perhaps, have called her
beautiful, but there was a dignity of
character in her face which amply
atoned for anything in which she might
have fallen short OF the GrecIan model.
Not really above the average height,
the slightness Of her figure made her
appear taller than most of the women
around her, as she stood still, holding
to the arm of her father, Colonel My,
ers, with whom she had just entered
Many an admiring glance was upon
the young girl, as her check flushed
beyond its wont. She looked hurried
ly around the room, hardly seeming
TO notice the officer who was soliciting
her hand for a dance She accepted
him, however, mechanically, when
bright smile passed over her face.


Captain Bruce, an officer in the uni
form of the Life Guards, was crossing
the room toward her. His figure was
tall and soldier-like, his countenance
grave and thoughtful, at times almost
stern. In years he appeared consider
ably her senior. Advancing to her
side, he asked in low tore if she could
spare a few minutes that evening to
stroll with him in the adjoining ter
race She assented to his request in
the same tone, deep blush rising over
her face They Immediately separat,
ed as if to avoid remark, and Edith
was soon waltzing in the brilliant cir.
Gle.


The evening wore on and the gay
ETY. was at its height, when a hand was
laid on Edith's arm, and the Same low
voice whispered in her ear: | claim
you now, at least for a time" With
a beating heart she accepted the prof
fered arm, and making their way thro'
the merry groups that surrounded
them, the two passed out upon the ter
race. They stood silent for few mo-
ments The bright moonlight which
poured around them lighted up the
shining leaves Of the shrubs below, and
the scent of rare flowers with which
the terrace was decorated, freshened
the evening air with its fragrance
Edith's hand trembled as it lay upon
her companions arm; the flush had
died from her check and left it deadly
pale Miss Myers, am here tonight
to ask one question which deeply in
wolves my future happiness. You can
not surely be blind to my long cherish
ed affection for you, and And as
he spoke, the shril blast of bugle
was heard suddenly breaking the still
ness of the night. Captain Bruce
started, AMI his whole frame seemed to
culver. Edith he exclaimed hurried.
ly, you hear that sound; it is signal
for action, and calls me either to death
or victory. L have only a few mo-
ments more to be with you. Tell me
| implore you, whether [ am to wei
come death as friend, or to fight Wi h
rcdoubled courage for IL life that il
dear to?-Good heavens she has faint
ed = The startling news had been toe
much for Edith's delicate frame; and
had it not been for her lovers support
ing arm, she would have sunk to the
ground. He dared stay no longer, but
calling some waiting women to her
aid, he imprinted one kiss upon her
forehead, and FASTENED from the house
to assemble his men.


The following evening about three
hours after sunset, different scene
presented itself The conflict of the
day was over, and the silence of death
had succeeded the storm Of the battle.
Groups of soldiers might be seen dot
ted over the battlefield, occupied in
searching tor their missing comrades
among the dead and dying. While
passing to and fro among them might
be distinguished two female figures
timidly and cautiouslessly treading
their way across the fatal scene, where
so many brave men lay mangled and
lfeless at their feet The foremost OF
the two was a young girl, wrapped IL
q loose cloak which envelOped her fig
ure; a thick veil was drawn over hel
face, and in her hand she carried {
small lantern. She was followed BY
an elderly woman, bearing on her arm
a basket, in which were two small
TASKS, one containing water and thu
other filled with brandy. As tht
young girl proceeded on her search
the light of her lantern fell on the pal
lid features Of those lying around her
and more than once she stopped TO as
suage the thirst Of the dying man by
administering to him draught with
her own had. Hour after hour she
continued her search, till, apparently
overcome with fatigue, disappointment
and the horrors of tho scenes around
her, she sat down on the ground as i
to recover her strength, and consider
what course she should next pursue
Her attendant followed her example