While he stood within the enclosure watching
their evolutions under the orders of an officer, his attention
became concentrated upon the form of a young man of the rank and
file who was marching in a line with many others having their backs
turned toward him. That form and gait seemed familiar--the
circumstances in which he saw them again--painfully familiar. And
yet he could not identify the man. While he gazed, the recruits, at
the word of command, suddenly wheeled and faced about. And Herbert
could scarcely repress an exclamation of astonishment and regret.
That young man in the dress of a private soldier was Clara Day's
betrothed, the widow's only son, Traverse Rocke! While Herbert
continued to gaze in surprise and grief, the young recruit raised
his eyes, recognized his friend, flushed up to his very temples and
cast his eyes down again. The rapid evolutions soon wheeled them
around, and the next order sent them into their quarters.
Herbert's time was also up, and he returned to his duty.
The next day Herbert went to the quarters of the new recruits and
sought out his young friend, whom he found loitering about the
grounds. Again Traverse blushed deeply as the young lieutenant
approached. But Herbert Greyson, letting none of his regret appear,
since now it would be worse than useless in only serving to give
pain to the young private, went up to him cordially and shook his
hands, saying:
"Going to serve your country, eh, Traverse? Well, I am heartily glad
to see you, at any rate.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172