Year: 1860

you through and through-all these make
me fear him. His brother is commander
of our regiment; and though he is brave
as lion in battle, yet the men hate him.
He never allows them any recreation, and
puuishes the slightest error severely. l
expect him here every day. Oh, Amy,
would we were but welded. Then you
would always have me by to watch over and
protect you


Let US be patient, Edgar. We are both
young, and can wait


But will you always be true to me, An
uy p said the young man, taking her hand


always, Edgar was the reply. You
do wrong to doubt me for moment


Not that, Amy, not that said the
young man quickly. Listen to me for a
few moments, my love, and calmly. You
are young and inexperienced, unacquaint-
ed with the snares of the world, and think
| ing that all are as good and virtuous as
yourself Alas ! it is not so. 1 am afraid
when you return home, the report of your
great wealth will bring crowds of suitors,
high born and rich, perhaps even dukes of
the empire, around you; and then, Amy,
where then will be the humble soldier of
fortune?'


In my heart, replied the young girl
earnestly. Come veal: come woe,-for-
tune or misfortune, health or sickness, life
or death, Edgar, l am thiue-thine only!


'Ay, that's my own sweet girl!' cried
the young man, catching her in his arms
and pressing his lips against her brow
'Oh, Amy, those eyes of yours you know
not how soft, how melting, how loOing they
are l could gaze into them forever, my
love, as in mirror, and think the hours
we'll employed could but catch my Image
once reflected therein. Think of me often,
Amy, and as kindly as l shall of you


Il will, Edgar


And should your guardian seek to force
you to wed another, what will you do then ?


The young girl gazed into his face with
an expression of such deep surprise that the
young man almost regretted that he had ask,
ed the question.


Force me to wed another? ? she repeated
slowly oh no, Edgar, he would not do
that He is an honorable man.


The soldier sighed.


But if he should do so ? he enquired at
length. What then?'


Il would fly to you at once


sAnd I would protect you, Amy. Ere
they could reach you, they would have to
fall over my corpse. No one fights so we'll,
Amy, as in defending those whom he
loves


Il trust you will not have to draw your
sword on my account said Amy, with a
smile, and placing her hand within his.


well, We know not what may happen,'
said Edgar. SO you return tomorrow


Tomorrow, Edgar
well, Amy, as my leave of absence has
almost expired, am thinking of returning
too. Do you procure from your aunt list
of the villages she proposes to stop at, and |
will meet you this evening. Do not refuse
me this, Amy! You know not how unhap
py am when long absent from you


Would it not be wrong for me to do SOP
enquired Amy, hesitatingly.


mo, my love, not in the least. Rsmem-
Der the journey is a long one; and without
NE you will see but one familiar face during
the whole way, and that not very pleasant
one-your aunt's.'


NAY, but forgot to tell you that my
cousin is to 60 with US


Indeed You told me this morning that
be had not yet arrived


Nor has he; but we expect him here at
daybreak. Still I will procure the list, and
send it to you in the morning He is a
mere boy, not over fifteen, and has spent
the greater part of his life in England
We can trust him


Thanks Amy. I shall never forget
your kindness. But bark !! do you not hear
some one calling?'


1T is my aunt's voice. Perhaps he has
come now. I must CO.


Farewell then. Forget not the list :


Il will not. Farewell, Edgar!'


Farewell, Amy" and again pressing her
to his breast, the young man bounded over
the wooden railing and disappeared.