"If he dies," said Lizzie, "it will be under great injustice."
"Ah! what do you mean?"
"There wasn't a braver man in the army."
"I suppose not."
"And, oh, Mr. Bruce," continued Lizzie, "he was so clever and good and generous! I wish you had known him."
"I wish I had. But what do you mean by injustice? Were these qualities denied him?"
"No indeed! Every one that looked at him could see that he was perfect."
"Where's the injustice, then? It ought to be enough for him that you should think so highly of him."
"Oh, he knew that," said Lizzie.
Bruce was a little puzzled by his companion's manner. He watched her, as she sat with her cheek on her hand, looking at the fire. There was a long pause. Either they were too friendly or too thoughtful for the silence to be embarrassing. Bruce broke it at last.