you might become an instrument of good to your fellow-creatures, and
to-night I rejoice to find you, at last, an earnest co-worker."

"Where have you been this long time, Harvey? And how is it that you wear a
Confederate uniform?"

"I am chaplain in a Texas regiment, and have been with the army from the
beginning of these days of blood. At first it was a painful step for me; my
affections, my associations, the hallowed reminiscences of my boyhood, all
linked my heart with New York. My relatives and friends were there, and I
knew not how many of them I might meet among the war-wolves that hung in
hungry herds along the borders of the South. Moreover, I loved and revered
the Union--had been taught to regard it as the synonym of national
prosperity. Secession I opposed and regretted at the time as unwise; but to
the dogma of consolidated government I could yield no obedience; and when
every sacred constitutional barrier had been swept away by Lincoln--when
the _habeas corpus_ was abolished, and freedom of speech and press
denied--when the Washington conclave essayed to coerce freemen, to 'crush
Secession' through the agency of the sword and cannon--then I swore
allegiance to the 'Seven States' where all of republican liberty remained.
Henceforth my home is with the South; my hopes and destiny hers; her
sorrows and struggles mine."

His white, scholarly hands were sunburnt now; his bronzed complexion, and
long, untrimmed hair and beard gave a grim, grizzled aspect to the noble
face; and the worn and faded uniform showed an acquaintance with the
positive hardships and exposure of an active campaign.

"I expected nothing less from you, my brother. You were dear to me before;
but, ah, Harvey! how much dearer now in these dark days of trial, which you
have voluntarily chosen to share, with a young, brave, struggling Nation!"

His eyes dwelt upon her face as she looked gladly at him, and over her
waving hair his hands passed tenderly, as they had done long years before,
when she was an invalid in his father's house.

"You have found your work, and learned contentment in usefulness. Irene,
the peaceful look of your childhood has come back to your face. With my
face pressed against the window-pane, I have been watching you for more
than an hour--ever since Colonel Aubrey came out--and I know all the
sadness of the circumstances that surround you; how painful it is for you
to see those men die."

"Colonel Aubrey? He has not b