“I should have died without her,” added the captain, glancing affectionately at his mother.
“Well, we don’t know about those things, Thomas,” said Mrs. Somers, meekly.
“I learned that you were here three weeks ago, and I intended to call upon you before this time,” continued the major. “You know there was a little affair between us that needed clearing up.”
“It would done no good to come much afore now; the poor boy wan’t fit to be seen. He’s had an awful hard time on’t, and nothing but almighty Power has kept him from the grave,” interposed Mrs. Somers, wiping away the tear that started in her eye when she thought of the days in which her son was trembling between life and death. “If I can only once get him home, he shan’t leave me again. He went off afore when he was no more fit to go than a baby.”
“The captain is a very useful person in the army.”
“Well, I suppose he is; but there’s no sense nor reason in his going off when he ain’t fit to go. We shall get away from here to-morrow.”
“My mother don’t like this place very well,” said Somers, with a smile. “The people here are not remarkably fond of me.”
“Why not?”
“I forgot that you did not know anything about it. I will tell you now, Major Riggleston, and I’m sure you will not blame me for the rude words I spoke to you, when you understand the matter.”
“You did the fair thing when you discovered your mistake; but you spoke to your general about the affair, and he does not regard me with favor. I came over here partly for the purpose of affording you an opportunity to clear me from the imputation that rests upon my honor. An explanation from you will set the matter right.”