"Yes," I said, "and we are in midst of war--in this are we yet enemies?"
"I am a Southerner," smiling softly, "and I hope the South wins. My father is out yonder fighting, if he be not already down, and I would do my best to serve his cause. Do you care for me less because I confess this?"
"No."
"But now," she went on, more softly still, her words barely audible, "my heart is with you here; with you, because I love you."
We both glanced up swiftly, startled by the sound of heavy steps in the upper hall. A man's head was thrust through the half-opened door at the top of the stairs. Apparently he could not see any distance through the gloom, and I hailed him, although still retaining my clasp of the girl's hand.
"What is it, my man?"
"Sergeant Mahoney told me to find the lieutenant."
"Well, you have; I am the one sought. What's happening?"
"They're a-comin', sorr," his voice hoarse with excitement, and waving one hand toward the front of the house, "an' thar's goin' ter be hell ter pay this toime"
"You mean the gray-backs? From the front? What force?"