“No—no—no! John, let us stay together now until—the end,” said Betsy. “Forgive me. Only I’m such a burden to you—and it is so cold—”
John had another period of savage activity. It brought no work. But the agitation shattered him. He went to bed, and when he rose again his spirit was broken.
“John,” said Betsy to him then, with an angelic light on her face, “when you get a little better we—will go.”
John only looked stern.
“I have thought it all over—it is best.”
“I will not go,” said John, quietly. “I am a soldier!”
“Yes, John, dear, but—”
“Betsy,” asked John, solemnly, “do you want to go?”
He never knew what a hero she became before she answered:
“Yes—John—I—I want—to go. I’m so cold—and so hungry—”