He guessed the question would touch her, but curiosity got the better of sympathy with him. He was not prepared for the wistful, searching look that Daisy gave him instantly, nor for the indescribable tenderness and sorrow that mingled in it. As before, she did not answer.
"Forgive me, Daisy," said the Captain, involuntarily "You know you told me you were a soldier."
Daisy's heart was very tender, and she had been living all the morning in that peculiar nearness to Christ which those know who suffer for Him. She looked at the Captain, and burst into tears.
"You told me you were a soldier " he repeated, not quite knowing what to say.
"Oh, Captain Drummond!" said Daisy, weeping, "I wish you were!"
It stung the Captain. He knew what she meant. But he quietly asked her why?
"Because then," said Daisy, "you would know Jesus; and I want you to be happy."
"Why, Daisy," said Captain Drummond, though his conscience smote him, "you don't seem to me very happy lately."
"Don't I?" she said. "But I am happy. I only wish everybody else was happy too."
She presently wiped her eyes, and stood up. "Captain Drummond," said she, "don't you think we can find another of these things?"