The pain had now left him entirely, and although he was still weak from what he had experienced, yet he was able to sit up, and that was a great comfort. Every warm day a chair was placed for him upon the piazza of the Lemming homestead and here he would read, or watch the river, or play checkers and dominoes with Viola Lemming. So the golden Virginia summer passed. In the meantime Andy heard how the great army of the North was assembling at Washington, and of what that patriotic body was expected to do. But from home, from his parents, his company, or the rebel cause, he heard nothing. The late autumn found him walking about the plantation. Viola Lemming often accompanied him. She noticed how strong he was getting. “I presume you will want to leave us soon,” she said, with half a smile. “I was thinking I would go away next week,” he answered. “I have ventured on your hospitality too long already.” “You are welcome to stay as long as you please,” she returned, quickly. “You--you seem like one of the family.” His thin face flushed with pleasure at this. “You are very, very kind--you and your mother and your little sister,” he said, taking her hand. “As long as I live I shall never forget you, and I do trust that some day I shall be able to repay you, at least in part.” And then he turned away as he saw how red in the face Viola became. The two young folks had grown to think a great deal of each other. That night he told Mrs. Lemming of his intention. “I will not outstay my welcome, warm as it has been,” he said. “To-morrow you can notify the army authorities, if you will. As soon as they come for me, you will no longer be responsible for my keeping.” “But they will put you in prison!” said Viola, shuddering. “I didn’t think of that when you spoke. I thought--” she did not finish. “Did you think I would break my word of honor?” he questioned, seriously. “No--but--but--Oh, to go to prison! It is horrible!” She tried to speak on, but the words stuck in her throat and she rushed from the room. Her mother was scarcely less affected. “It is terrible, this change you think of making,” said Mrs. Lemming. “Better stay here, while you can. Perhaps the war will soon be over, and then you can cross the river to your folks.” But he was obdurate. He did not intend to go to a Union prison if it could be avoided, but at the same time he would not break his word to them and get them into trouble with the army authorities.