“I would not be worthy of you, if I could not cheerfully risk my life for you. Have you heard nothing from Gen. A.?”
“Not a word.”
“I feel as if I never can forgive him.”
“You are very wrong,” answered Mildred mildly. “Gen. A. could never have persuaded me to undertake such a business if I had not wanted to serve my country. My life is of no more value than the lives of thousands of soldiers who fall upon every field.”
At this juncture the Irishman who had moved off several paces from the door approached and said:
“Haven’t you talked long enough?”
“Do you ever become tired of talking to your girl?” asked Ernest.
“No, i’ faith,” replied the guard. “Biddy is a rose, she is, an’ she don’t give me much chance to talk—she has such a lively tongue herself. But I’m afeerd for ye to stay here iny longer.”
“I will not impose upon you,” replied Ernest, “nor take advantage of your kindness. I am so much obliged to you.”