XII.
Nicholas was sitting at the study table, looking over papers. He rose and drew forward a chair for her, and then sat down again.
"The best thing that could happen, under the circumstances," he said, "has come to pass. I am appointed to join the French army in the Crimea, for purposes of study. Here is the appointment. These are letters from General Scott and from the Secretary of War. Just glance at them, if you please."
She read them, almost without comprehending their meaning. "When do you go?"
"To-morrow morning. It is the best thing to do, under the circumstances."
"Yes, the best under the circumstances," she repeated after him. He looked at her anxiously, but said nothing.
"What are you to take with you?" she asked, rising from her chair. "I must go and look over your clothes."
"All the military traps I have here, of course; not much besides, for I would rather buy what I want. Don't trouble yourself, my—" He paused. "I will see to every thing."
"No, I want to do it myself," she said.
"I must go and speak to Holston about your money matters while I am gone. He will do every thing a brother could do."
"Every thing," she said. He looked at her again uneasily, and seemed about to speak; then left the room. "I've killed her," he thought; "but words are mere insults now."
He was gone, and without one word of explanation. It was, then, no nightmare, to be dispelled by a change of posture. There was no awakening for her. It was all true!