ywhere during my sickness.
It seems to me impossible that General Lee's army can face McClellan's much
longer without bringing on a battle, and I am so anxious about Russell. If
he should be hurt, of course, I must go to him. It is very strange that he
has not written. Are you sure no letters came for me?"

"There are no letters, I am sure; but I have a message for you. I have seen
him once since you were taken sick."

"Ah! what is it? He heard that I was ill, and came to see me, I suppose.
When was he here?"

Irene bent down and kissed her companion tremulously, saying slowly--

"He desired me to kiss you for him. Electra, I have not told you before
because I feared the effect upon you in your weak state; but there have
been desperate battles around Richmond during your illness, and the
Federals have been defeated--driven back to James river."

"Was Russell wounded? Yes--I understand it all now! Where is he? Oh! tell
me that I may go to him."

She sprang up, but a deathlike pallor overspread her face and she tottered
to the open window.

Irene followed the thin figure, and, putting her arms about her, made her
lean against her.

"He was wounded on the last day, and I went to see him; you were then
delirious."

"Let me go at once! I will not disturb him; I will control myself! Only let
me see him to-day!"

"Electra, you cannot see him. He has gone to his God; but in his dying hour
he spoke of you fondly, sent love, and----"

The form reeled, drooped, shivered, and fell back insensible in Irene's
arms.

So heavy was the swoon, that it seemed as if her spirit had fled to join
her cousin's in endless union; but at length consciousness returned, and
with it came the woeful realization of her loss. A long, low wail rose and
fell upon the air, like the cry from lips of feeble, suffering, helpless
children, and her head sank upon the shoulder of the sad-faced nurse, whose
grief could find no expression in sobs, or moans, or tears.

"Dead! dead! and I shall see his dear face no more! Oh! why did you not let
me die, too? What is my wretched life worth now? One grave might have held
us both! My noble, peerless Russell! the light of my solitary life! O God!
be merciful! take me with my idol! Take me now!"

Very tenderly and caressingly Irene endeavoured to soothe her--detailed the
circumstances of her cousin's death, and pointed her despairing soul to a
final reunion.

But no rift appeared in the artist's black