"And my daughter?" said the blind old man, meekly.
"She shall follow you. I will myself accompany her."
"And my dead child up yonder?"
"She shall be brought to you at the earliest possible moment."
"And my faithful servant?"
"He shall be cared for."
"Thank you." And Mr. Villars bowed his white head upon his breast.
"Take the captain immediately to the hospital! And you fellow with the hacked wrist, go with him."
The number of men required to execute these orders (since both the old clergyman and the wounded captain had to be carried) left Augustus almost alone with Virginia. Having previously sent off all his available force to Ropes at the sink, in answer to a pressing call for reënforcements, he had now only the sergeant and two men at his beck. But perhaps this was as he wished it to be. He approached Virginia, and, bowing formally, still without speaking, offered her his arm.
"Thank you. I can walk without assistance." Like marble still, but with the same wild fire in her eyes. "The only favor I ask of you is to be permitted to leave you."