The boat awaited the passengers, and a few on the opposite shore were waiting for the
Conscript’s Return.
Adolph was received by the villagers on the shore with hearty welcome, and was conducted toward his former residence. As he entered the little hamlet, he turned slowly into the church, and at the foot of the humble altar poured out to Heaven the thanks which swelled up in his heart for his return. And near him one heart gushing with love and gratitude was breathing out its thanksgiving that the wanderer had first sought the house of God.
THE RETURN.
The post-office the next day supplied a letter, without post-mark, giving Adolph an officer’s commission for the gallantry that saved his colonel’s life at the imminent risk of his own, and extending his furlough for a year.
“But Louise,” said Adolph, “how your complexion has suffered since I saw you.”
“I have been absent for some weeks.”
“Yes, and these mountain relatives of yours always look of about the same color as one of their ripe grapes.”
Adolph having now some position, and a source of reliance upon his good resolution, presented himself before Madam Berien to solicit formally the hand of her daughter.