“Mrs. Grey, it may be several days before Dan gets in. In the meanwhile let me supply your wants as best I can. You should not mind applying to me or accepting assistance from me.”
“I appreciate your kindness more than I can tell you, general, but I don’t really need anything.”
“If you should stand in need of money or assistance of any kind before Dan gets in, let me know, won’t you?”
“Indeed I will, dear general.”
We all three walked down Franklin Street together until Miss Mildred, who was going to see some friends on Grace Street, had to turn. After the two had just turned the corner I heard the general say:
“Wait for a minute, Mildred.”
He slipped back, put his hand in his pocket, and took out a thin roll of bills, a very thin roll.
“Mrs. Grey,” he said, “here is all the money I have in the world, ten dollars in greenbacks. Take half of it—I wish you would—it wouldn’t inconvenience me at all. I will make some more soon, and then I will divide with you again until Dan comes home.”
I could hardly speak for tears. At that moment I was richer than my general. I had at home in gold and greenbacks more money than General Lee.
“God bless you, general!” I managed to say. “But really I don’t need it. If I do really and truly I will come to you for it.”