“Maude De Vere,” and Arthur spoke very decidedly, “why are you so much interested in this man? Tell me, and tell me truly, too,—have you learned to care for him more than you would for a common soldier, had such a one come to you as a runaway Yankee? If you have, Maude,” and Arthur’s face was white with determination, “if you have, by the heavens above us, I’ll put a bullet through him myself, or worse than that, send him back to where he came from.”
“That would be an act worthy of a Tunbridge and a Southern gentleman,” Maude said, bitterly, and something in her tone warned Arthur that he had gone too far, so changing his tactics, he said more gently:
“Sit here beside me, Maude, and listen to what I have to say. You know that I have loved you ever since I knew the meaning of the word, and it is not in my nature to give up what my heart is set upon. You have refused me, but that does not matter. I want you for my wife; I must have you for my wife. I know you are my superior, and I am willing it should be so. You can fashion me into anything you like. I have screened, and hidden, and lied for that Yankee Carleton, just to gratify you. And when I first consented to act the traitor’s part, I supposed he was most likely some coarse, ignorant boor, but he is not. Returning health shows him to be a well-bred gentleman, and decidedly good-looking, so much so that I have been jealous of him, Maude, not knowing to what your strange opinions might lead you.”
“You know of course he has a wife,” dropped scornfully from Maude’s lips, and Arthur started quickly.
“No, Maude, I did not know it. How came you by the knowledge? Did he tell you so?”
“Not directly, but when he was out of his head, or asleep, he talked of Rose, and Annie, and Mary, and he called the latter his wife. That is the way I know,” Maude said, and Arthur’s face cleared at once.
“Forgive me, Maude. I was a fool to be jealous of him. And now let us come to a final understanding. You have laughed at, and browbeaten, and queened it over me for years, but I have never despaired of winning you at the last. Once for all, then, will you be my wife? I must have you. I cannot be denied.”
Arthur was in earnest now, and his pleadings were eloquent with the love he felt for the girl, who listened in silence, and then said to him:
“Arthur, it cannot be. I should make you very unhappy. We do not agree in any one point.”
“But we will agree. I promise to conform to your opinions in everything. I’ll guide this man to Tennessee, and give myself in future to the work of saving and helping the entire Yankee army. I’ll be a second Dan Ellis if you like. I’ll do anything but take the oath to the Union. I’ve sworn to stand by the other side. I cannot break my word even for you, Maude.”