The unhappy war was over. The soldier boy returned. I arrived home at the little farm, found a royal, loving welcome from my father and brothers, and more than any other, my little step-sister, who never got tired of stories of my experience. She would sit for hours, begging me to tell her more. She was always with me wherever I would go. She was full of admiration for me. I was a hero in her eyes; I could not dispel her fancy, and I didn't try, for she seemed the sunshine of my life. She plodded with me through all my ups and downs; through the snow and ice of winter, making summer for me the year round, and she is now my little wife. I must stop here, or I may go too far into a history of my life, which I did not intend. I know it would be uninteresting, but will simply add that myself and wife adopted the stage as a profession, and still follow it. I have just completed a play entitled, "The Volunteer" which I shall soon submit for public approval. * * * * * My recollections are finished--for they are but recollections of a time that "tried men's souls." In looking back o'er the path of life there is a melancholy pleasure, to me, at least, in contemplating the shattered shards of many an air built castle,--inhaling the perfumes of flowers long since faded and dead. If these reflections have served to beguile one moment of "ennui" for an idle reader--if they have recalled one incident of "derring doe" to a whilesome comrade, I am satisfied that my purpose is accomplished. [Illustration] CACTUS CREAM The Most Elegant and Delicate Preparation for the skin ever discovered. { FRECKLES, { BLACKHEADS, IT POSITIVELY REMOVES: { PIMPLES, { MORPHEW, { TAN, And all Blemishes of Cuticle. -- -- CACTUS CREAM Is used all over the world in preference to any other preparation for the complexion. A beautiful effect is discernible after the first application, and its continued use only increases the beauty of the skin until an exquisite complexion is obtained. For Creating, Restoring, Preserving and Insuring Beauty, Nothing has ever been found one-half so effective and satisfactory as Cactus Cream. By its use the roughest skin is made to rival the pure radiant texture of Youthful Beauty. Redness, Pimples and Blotches are quickly overcome by the healing and cooling properties of Cactus Cream, and a satin-like smoothness of the skin of great beauty is soon acquired. Sunburn, Freckles and Tan removed by faithfully applying Cactus Cream. Applied to the Neck, Arms and Hands, it gives an appearance of Graceful Rotundity, as well as Pearly Blooming Purity. Cactus Cream eradicates everything that mars the beauty of the complexion and adds the tint of the lily. Gentlemen find it cool and refreshing when used after shaving. All Barbers use it.