“What is it you wish to say to me?” he inquired.
A vivid blush overspread the face of Britomarte as she answered:
“I wish to know whether I may be permitted to purchase garments suitable to my sex?”
“It is a pity you ever abandoned them,” said the officer.
“I do not think so; I have done good service to my country while wearing this uniform. But you have not answered the question.”
“I have no authority to answer it. But I will make inquiries.”
“Thank you,” said Britomarte.
And the visitor, who had appeared at her summons, like a ghost evoked from the shades, now disappeared in the same manner.
Two or three days passed before the privilege she sued for was granted to her. But at length she was permitted, through the agency of the prison officials, to purchase clothing and re-assume the dress of her sex. Also a chair was provided her, and coarse but clean sheets, for all of which she paid heavily in Federal notes; but thus she enjoyed a comparative degree of comfort.