“But still the rebels have the advantage, you say!”
“Yes; for in every battle they fight as Leonidas fought at Thermopylæ—as Roland fought at Roncesvalles. But this state of things cannot last. It is only a question of time. We shall overwhelm them by numbers at length, if in no other way. There is something pathetic and tragical in the aspect of the South now, in the midst of her delusive victories. It is sad to see so much heroism and self-devotion wasted upon a cause as evil as it is hopeless.”
Britomarte turned to look at the young speaker, and thought that she had never seen a face or heard a voice more interesting or more eloquent.
“You have a broad vision and a large heart. You are brave and patriotic, but you are also just and generous. You fight gallantly for your country, yet you feel deeply for the brave, misguided men who have brought all this woe upon her! And you would willingly be the Curtius to plunge living into this yawning gulf of disunion if that act would cause it to close above your life!” said Britomarte, gravely.
“Heaven knows how willingly I would, lady,” earnestly answered the young man, reverently raising his cap.
“We are lingering too long in the sun,” suggested Justin; “let us hurry on to the house.”
“Bedad he’s jealous! and with good reason,” muttered Judith to herself.
“Let us get into the house. We have a house, even on this uncivilized isle,” said Justin, as the whole party increased their rate of speed.
“Yes; but all this time I am struck with astonishment to find my fellow-citizens here, beating about the walls of the universe like the lost spirits of the free lovers in Dante’s “Inferno,” and I am consumed with curiosity to know how they came to be thrust outside the world,” said the young lieutenant.
“And, unlike myself, you are too polite to ask questions. Well, you shall know all about it. But here we are at the house. Please to walk in,” said Justin, leading the way through the rustic gate, up a graveled walk, between borders of fragrant flowers, to the vine-shaded portico that roofed the door.