“Another great battle!” screamed the excited news-boys in the streets. “Another great battle!” read Letty in the cottage parlor. “Another great battle!” cried David, coming in with the war-horse expression on his face a month or two after he enlisted.
The women dropped their work to look and listen; for his visits were few and short, and every instant was precious. When the first greetings were over, David stood silent an instant, and a sudden mist came over his eyes as he glanced from one beloved face to another; then he threw back his head with the old impatient gesture, squared his shoulders, and said in a loud, cheerful voice, with a suspicious undertone of emotion in it, however:
“My precious people, I’ve got something to tell you: are you ready?”
They knew what it was without a word. Mrs. Sterling clasped her hands and bowed her head. Letty turned pale and dropped her work; but Christie’s eyes kindled, as she answered with a salute:
“Ready, my General.”
“We are ordered off at once, and go at four this afternoon. I’ve got a three hours’ leave to say good-by in. Now, let’s be brave and enjoy every minute of it.”
“We will: what can I do for you, Davy?” asked Christie, wonderfully supported by the thought that she was going too.
“Keep your promise, dear,” he answered, while the warlike expression changed to one of infinite tenderness.
“What promise?”
“This;” and he held out his hand with a little paper in it. She saw it was a marriage license, and on it lay a wedding-ring. She did not hesitate an instant, but laid her own hand in his, and answered with her heart in her face: