"Father, mother, both gone, I hope and trust to heaven. I am alone—yes, yes, all alone now."
I would not let him talk any more, and finding out from the attendant what he most relished, I promised to see him the next day.
I saw him almost every day for a fortnight. He grew no worse, but very little, if any, better. On one occasion Dr. B. said:
"I do not know what to make of Ashton. He ought to improve much faster. My dear madam, set your woman's wits at work; perhaps we may find a cure."
"I have been thinking I would try to gain his confidence. I know he has a hidden sorrow. I must, for his sake, probe the wound; but I fancy it is in his heart."
During my next visit I said:
"I wish you would tell me something of your life; how you came to enter the army; and, indeed, all you will of your Southern home."
His face flushed, and he replied:
"No, I cannot. Why should you want to know——"
Then he stopped, hesitated and said: