THE FAIR COURIER. 75

 

hand of an officer and sprang upon the
saddle. Her face was calm, her eyes slight-
ly elevated, and her lips gently compressed
with resolution. General Greene stood near
her. He extended his hand as soon she
had firmly seated herself and grasped the
reins of the noble animal upon which she
was mounted..

“ God speed you on your journey, and
may heaven and your country reward you,”
said he, as he held her hand tightly. Then,
as if impelled by a sudden emotion, he
pressed the fair hand to his lips, and turn-
ing away sought the seclusion of his tent,
deeply moved by so unexpected and touch-
ing an instance of heroism in one who was
little more than a child. As he did so, the
officer, who had until now held the horse
by the bridle, released his grasp, and Emi-
ly, touching her rein, spoke to the animal
upon which she was mounted. Obeying
the word instantly he sprang away, bear-
ing the fair young courier from the camp,
and moved rapidly in a south-westerly di-