“It is difficult to answer, Charles, but I trust very soon.” “Have you not heard from her recently?” “No. There is no way in which she can communicate with me. The mails have been discontinued, you are aware, from Rolla to Springfield.” “If you can _visit_ the army, I presume you can both dispatch and receive letters. Are you not very anxious to learn how she is treated among the Federals?” “I am most anxious; still I have no fears.” “I can not feel as you do upon that subject. I would not awaken useless fears in your breast, but _I_ have not so much confidence in their magnanimous natures.” “Charles, you told me to-day for the first time, that you loved me, and asked me if I could not address you as _dear_ Charles. You have been very kind to me, and, on one occasion, you rescued me from the hands of a villain. I feel grateful—truly so. But, whatever my feelings may be, I never can wed my country’s enemy. Look yonder. You see that white cottage. Once it was beautifully adorned with creeping vines, and the lawn before it bloomed with flowers and shrubbery. But, dearer than all, within its walls lived my father and my sister. Look at it now! Its beauty has departed—it is a _wreck_; father and sister have been driven from it, while I have been detained here by _force_. You profess to love me. If you do so, _prove it_! We are now more than a mile from the rebel camp, and you can escape with me to Springfield.” “I will assist _you_ to escape; indeed, I will accompany you a portion of the way to Springfield. But _I_ must return to my own people and fight with them to the last. I _do_ love you, and I _would_ become your husband, gladly, if I could be satisfied you loved me for myself alone. But, I can not sacrifice one jot of honor or principle to win even you, dear Nettie.” “And you will go with me, now?” “Yes—stay, what is that? Did you not hear a low, moaning sound?” “I heard nothing.” “Well, perhaps I am mistaken. But I fancied I heard such a sound. No matter. I will go with you now to Springfield.” “To what purpose, young man?” The speaker was a powerful person, and had emerged from the bridge just in time to hear the last sentence of Charles Campbell. “So, sir,” he continued, “you would desert us, and join the Yankees, and all for your foolish regard for this vixen!” “Colonel Price, if you were not an officer I would make you _eat_ your words. I have served you faithfully, and you have no right to question my loyalty. I do _not_ intend to desert, neither is this lady a _vixen_ any more than you are a _coward_.” Price started, bit his lips, and frowned fiercely. At length he asked: “Why did you propose visiting Springfield with this——lady?” “I intended to accompany her a portion of the way, and then to return to my duty.” “Why does _she_ wish to visit Springfield?” “Because her father and sister are both in St. Louis, and she wishes to rejoin them.” “Did not yonder cottage belong to her father?” “It did.”