After refreshments the men went outside to smoke and talk—some with pipes—of canals, railroads and corner lots while the younger people were dancing and being proudly surveyed by their mothers.
As Harry and the ladies were leaving Colonel Taylor came to them and said:
"Young man, I am the voice of your country. I call you to Florida. Will you go with us next week?"
Harry looked into Bim's eyes.
"The campaign will be over in a year and I need you badly," the Colonel urged.
"I can not say no to the call of my country," Harry answered. "I will join your regiment at Beardstown on its way down the river."
That night Harry and Bim stood by the gate talking after Mrs. Kelso had gone into the house.
"Bim, I love you more than ever," said the boy. "Abe says you can get a divorce. I have brought the papers for you to sign. They will make you free. I have done it for your sake. You will be under no obligation. I want you to be free to marry whom you will. I would be the happiest man in the world if you were to choose me. I haven't the wealth of some of these city men. I can only offer you my love."
"Be careful and please let go of my hand," she said. "The time has come when it would be possible to spoil our story. I'm not going to say a word of love to you. I am not free yet. We couldn't marry if we wanted to. I wish you to be under no sense of obligation to me. Many things may happen in a year. I am glad you are going to see more of the world before you settle down, Harry. You will stop in New Orleans and see some of its beautiful women. It will help you to be sure to know yourself a little better and to be sure of what you want to do."
There was a note of sadness in her voice as she spoke these words which be recalled with a sense of comfort on many a lonely day.