“It will not take long to get ready,” remarked Ernest. “People do not expect grand weddings such times as these.”
“No; but what put this sudden notion into your head?” asked the Doctor a little bluntly.
“We have come to the conclusion that there is no use waiting any longer.”
“Well, if it is Mildred’s wish,” replied the Doctor thoughtfully, “I shall interpose no objection.”
Accordingly, that very evening a few friends assembled at the Doctor’s residence, and at 8 o’clock Ernest and Mildred were pronounced “husband and wife.”
During those times young people entered into the marriage relation without much ceremony, and upon short notice. In many parts of the country it was impossible to procure suitable “wedding garments,” and the soldiers frequently married in their ordinary uniforms.
Ernest remained with his bride three or four days, and then started “off to the wars” again. It was a great and severe trial to the two young people to separate. They might never meet again in this world. Many a young man left his young wife, and in a few days afterwards he was slumbering in the soldier’s bloody grave.
“Mildred,” said Ernest in a husky tone, “pray for me. I have faith in your prayers.”
“Do not doubt my praying for you,” she said, while tears glistened in her eyes. “You will never be out of my mind a moment.”
“It does look hard,” said Ernest, “that we should be separated by the yawning gulf of war just as we are upon the threshold of life. I never knew the depth of my affection for you till now.”