He was incapable of concealing the truth from her, however much he might have disguised it from others. "You had your share in causing me to give up, but for a year since this war has gone on from one disaster to another, I have known that as a soldier I must be in it."
She was perfectly calm. "I have long known it would come, James. To have you and John and my brother Henry—all in it, is a hard fate."
"My dear, Charles writes me that Henry has left the army and gone to
Europe on business for the Confederates."
"Indeed." Some feeling of annoyance troubled her. "Then he at least is in no danger."
"None, my dear."
"When do you go?"
"I am to command the 129th Infantry, and I shall leave about August 1st."
"So soon!" She sat still, thinking over what Grey Pine would be without him. He explained as she sat that all details of his affairs would be put for her clearly on paper. He ended by saying, "Ask me any questions you want answered."
"Then, James, there will be no income from the mills—from—from that contract?"
"None, except my rental. With that you may do as you please. There will be also, of course, at your disposal the income from my re-invested capital."