In a large tent, near that occupied by Captain Hayward, were seated three ladies. One was Miss Hayward; another was Alibamo, or, as she is now a wife, she should be called Mrs. Adjutant Hinton; the other was Miss Sally Long, the waiting-maid of Alibamo. Before this tent paced a special guard; beside it was a tent of much smaller dimensions, occupied by Nettleton and _his_ servant, black George, or, as Nettleton used to call him, “Swasey’s nigger.” “I fear something has befallen my brother. He does not return, and it is now twelve o’clock!” “Don’t be alarmed,” said Alibamo, in a soothing voice; “your brother is most likely at the head-quarters of General Sigel. He may be detained on business. Come, let us retire.” “No, not while my brother is absent.” At this moment the guard came to the tent entrance and said: “Ladies, if you have not yet retired Captain Walker requests the pleasure of a few words with Miss Hayward.” “Oh, Alibamo, I fear that man; he looks at me so strangely. But perhaps he brings news of my brother. I will see him. Bid the captain enter.” As Walker entered he appeared agitated, but controlling his emotions, he said: “Ladies, you will pray excuse me. I feel that I _must_ speak now, as it may be my last opportunity. We—or, I should say the army—will be separated at Springfield, and I shall see you no more.” “Do you bring news of my brother?” asked Miss Hayward. “No! His disappearance is very strange. But I came to speak of myself.” “What would you say?” “This, Miss Hayward. I have loved you long and dearly. To-morrow we may be parted, and I would ask you, should the fortunes, or rather the misfortunes, of war deprive you of a brother’s love and protection, will you not permit me to seek you out and become your future protector?” “Captain Walker, these words surprise me, and I think propriety demanded that they should have been spoken in the presence of my brother.” “Pardon me, dear lady. I have waited until this hour for your brother’s return, and at last, fearing I should have no other opportunity, I ventured to visit you now. You have a friend and sister in Alibamo, and surely you will not fear to speak before her.” “I can not answer your question—it refers to the future.” “Then for the _present_. Let me speak plainly, and I beg you will do the same. Can you not at least regard me _now_ as your friend and protector, and give me a friend’s privileges?” The timid girl turned toward Alibamo, and in an inaudible voice, spoke a word. “She answers promptly, _no_!” replied Alibamo, somewhat sterner than was her usual manner. “You _love_ another, then?” asked Walker. Miss Hayward did not reply. “Is the favored one Lieutenant Wells?” again asked Walker. “You are impertinent, Captain Walker,” replied Alibamo. “I must request you to retire. How can you thus, in her brother’s absence, address her in this manner?”