“My kind father has spoken hastily,” said Mildred with dignity. “I do not know why the women of our country should not sometimes risk their lives as well as the soldiers. Suppose I should lose my life, it is no more than hundreds have already done. I am not afraid. I will go, General, unless my father positively forbids it.”
“There will be no very great risk, though, after all,” said Gen. A., “especially after you are in the city. I have a paper to be delivered to a certain person in Washington. If you were caught with that paper, you would no doubt be treated as a spy, but a lady of intelligence and tact can conceal it.”
“Could I not commit the contents to memory and write them out after I get into the city?” asked Mildred.
“No; the person who is to receive it must have the original paper.”
Mildred reflected for a moment, and turning to the Doctor said:
“Father, I am willing to do this small service for the General.”
“It is no small service, I should think,” interrupted the Doctor.
“No,” replied the General, “it is a very great service, one which will bring your country under obligations.”
“What do you say, father?” asked Mildred.