A Daughter of Maryland — page 192: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. 169 ‘fAre the foe coming to trample on our Jand. We must fight them to the bitter end. Stop! I must have dropped my gun in the road. But I can find it Iam sure,’’ and he. seemed about to leave the carriage, when General Lancier held him firmly back, saying: ‘‘Be quiet, my boy. There is no need for guns now. The war is over. ’’ **The war over!’’ repeated the crazed man. ‘‘They have never told me. Then the South is free—free at last !’’ ‘*Yes, free, my boy; free with all the land. The North have conquered and we are one country.’’ ‘Then that day’s terrible work was not for naught.”’ By this time the team was drawing near to Sylvania, when naturally all but Esten Berners turned to look at the for- saken homestead. {t was a sight to chill the warmest heart. Even in the gathering shades of night, father and daughter were only too painfully conscious of the work of ruin and desolation laid upon their once happy home. ‘‘And this is my reward!’’ groaned the general. ‘‘This is a sad home-coming, my daughter. No welcoming voice——’”’ ‘*Hush, father! let no such thoughts cross your mind. You know you promised to be brave and forgiving. Let us be thankful that we are spared to return. In a few years the old-time prosperity and comfortable inheritance will be restored. Remember the many homes where even this hope does not exist. We will——’’ ‘‘Fore de Lawd ef dis ain’t a sight to bress dese ol’ eyes den I doan’ know whut happiness is!’’ cried a well- remembered voice breaking in upon her words, while a ' huge, misshapen figure, as dark as the deepening shades from out of which it came panting, puffing, lumbering toward them. ‘‘Why, Missus Orry! is dis ol’ critter los’ her min’ or is dis really yo’, honey? An’ Massa Lancier, too, suah’s yo’s bo’n. I ’clar I nebber see de beat ob dis since po’ Frostus died.’’ comicbooks.c ‘ ~ Sat . PO Vee é re _ * 5 hat ae F en : F . - 4 & : 4* A wt & “i ° o oy r. * WN pees abg OES gS OPO ae he er WO