I want to see him."
"Of course you do," the kindly voice agreed, "and you shall."
He wrote the pass and handed it to her.
She murmured her thanks and he placed his big hand on her dark head and
asked casually:
"Of course you're loyal?"
The young lips quivered, she hesitated, looked up into his face through
dimmed eyes, and the slender body suddenly stiffened, as she slowly
said:
"Yes--to the heart's core--to Virginia!"
The trembling fingers handed the pass back and the tears rolled down her
cheeks.
The tall man dared not look down again. Something about this slim
wistful girl brought back over the years the memory of the young mother
who had come from the hills of old Virginia.
He was still for a moment, stooped, and took her hand in his. His voice
was low and tender and full of feeling:
"I know what it cost you to say that, child. You're a brave, glorious
little girl, if you are a rebel. I love you for this glimpse you've
given me of a great spirit. I'm sure I can trust you. If I let you go,
will you promise me faithfully that no word shall pass your lips of what
you've seen inside our lines?"
"I promise!" she cried, smiling through her tears.
He handed her back the pass and slowly said:
"May God bless you--and speed the day when your people and mine shall be
no longer enemies.
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