Major Brennan's age, and his thoughtful kindness to me, won my respect,
and I gradually came to look upon him almost as an elder brother,
turning to him in every time of trouble for encouragement and help. It
was the necessity of our business relation which first compelled me to
come South and join Major Brennan in camp: as he was unable to obtain
leave of absence, I was obliged to make the trip. Not until that time,
Captain Wayne,--indeed, not until after our experience at Mountain
View,--did I fully realize that Major Brennan looked upon me otherwise
than as a guardian upon his ward. The awakening pained me greatly,
especially as I was obliged to disappoint him deeply; yet I seek to
retain his friendship, for my memory of his long kindness must ever
abide. I am sure you will understand, and not consider me unwomanly in
thus making you a confidant."
"I can never be sufficiently grateful that you have thus trusted me," I
said with an earnestness that caused her to lower her questioning eyes.
"It has been a strange misunderstanding between us, Mrs. Brennan, but
your words have brought a new hope to one disheartened Confederate
soldier."
She did not answer, and with a rush there came before me the barrier of
poverty existing between us. I glanced from my ragged, faded clothing
to her immaculate attire, and my heart failed.
"I must be content with hope," I said at last; "yet I am rich compared
with thousands of others; infinitely rich in comparison with what I
dreamed myself an hour ago.
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