"Major Stevens," she faintly said after a struggle, "the people of this
poor little village can never feel too grateful to you, for your brave
and unselfish defence of their homes!"
"I am a soldier, Miss Lane, and I trust I did my duty."
Then they stood silent. Fernando would have given worlds to speak the
promptings of his heart: but stubborn pride forbade him.
"Whither do you go?" she asked.
"To the South; what point I do not know, save that we join our regiment
at Nashville."
"Will you ever come back, major?"
"If duty calls me--"
"But have you no friends," she asked slowly, "no friends here, whom you
would like to see after the war is over?"
"Many, Miss Lane. These brave men and noble women, who have shared my
toils and dangers, are very dear to my heart, and when the Britons have
been driven from our country, nothing would give me greater pleasure
than to renew my acquaintance with them."
"You are always welcome, major," she said, deeply moved. "Will you make
me a promise?"
"What is the promise?"
"That you will come as soon as the war is over."
"It is only a polite way of inviting me to her wedding," he thought;
then he asked:
"Will you be here?"
"If heaven spares me, I shall."
"Then I will return, Miss Lane, if I live."
Their discourse had been friendly, but cold and formal. Fernando had
once overstepped the bounds when he declared his love; but he was
careful not to do so again.
Pages:
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352