“By which you mean to ask why I did not hasten home immediately on being released from prison. The reason was this my Minie. Almost simultaneously with the capture of Charleston, I was seized with typhus fever. I was ill some weeks. A man of my age seldom recovers from typhus fever; and even when he does, he takes a long time to rally. As soon as I was able to travel I set out for home. General Eastworth came with me, to take care of me.”
“General Eastworth here—here in Washington!” she exclaimed, slightly starting, flushing and paling.
“Yes, my Minie, and only waiting your permission to see him.”
“Oh, how shall I meet him? how must I meet him, my father?”
“As your true heart dictates, my child.”
She bowed her head and covered her face with her hands.
“Why do you weep, my Minie?” her father asked, tenderly caressing her.
“I do not know. My heart is heavy with its burden of happiness! Oh, my father, lay your hand upon my head and pray for me!—pray for me and bless me! I am weak, and I tremble with my happiness! I am afraid—to be so happy!”
And she shivered.
He smiled and laid his hand upon her head; he prayed for her and blessed her, then he stooped and kissed her, arose and placed her gently in the chair, and leaving her alone, stole silently from the room.