"But would it be for the flag, or revenge?" said the mother.
"Both," answered the practical father. "He is only human, wife, and human hearts can't endure what he endured without human resentment."
The mother hoped it was more patriotism than revenge, for she was a Christian lady, and while war might be proper, even for Christian people, she thought it should be purely a conflict of principle and not of revenge.
"Fernando," said the mother laying aside her knitting and taking off her glasses and wiping them, "do you really mean to go?"
"Yes, mother. My country needs my services. There are thousands of unfortunate Americans, still in bondage. I seem to hear their pitiful cries calling on their country to send brave men to their rescue."
"I have expected this," sighed Mrs. Stevens, and tears gathered in her eyes.
"Mother, would you have me stay?"
It was hard for a mother to say it; but she had to do so. She was patriotic, and she answered:
"No."
"Then I will go."