w best what to say, but do not tell him you are here
just yet, but something to set his heart at peace; and I will tell him
it was given me by a Southerner I found in the hospital."

"Yes," she said; "you are very thoughtful, that is just the thing."

And she went into the ante-room, and soon came out, and giving me the
note, said:

"You know all; read it."

And I read: "Paul, forgive and love me again. I shall try to come to
you soon."

So we proceeded to the "Douglas," and I went in, found Dr. B., told
him and asked if we might venture in. He thought better to break it
gently at first, and promising to stay near in case of being needed,
laughingly said to Miss Mason:

"Now, if I was a doctor of divinity, I should be wishing to be sent
for."

Leaving her in his charge, I went in.

"Back so soon?" Ashton said. "How bright and cheerful you look!"

I sat down and said, "Yes, I have some pleasant news; I have a letter
for you; I met with a Southerner who knew a friend of yours, who gave
me this for you. It may be from your aunt, and you may hear from your
lady love, possibly."

He caught the letter, tore off the envelope, and read. I was
frightened--he never spoke a word or moved. Then, "Thank God!" burst
forth in heart-felt tones.

I saw he was all right. I said:

"You must now commence to think of her coming and being with you, for
it is some time since that person left the South, and you may look for
her any time. I was told that the family were intimate with Mr. Davis,
and they were to have a 'pass' North to find 'the son.' I then told
him I had wanted to prepare him, for she was really in Washington, and
I had met her--she had given me the note for him. He seemed to divine
all, and said:

"Bring her to me. I am strong and well now."

I sent the attendant to Dr. B.'s room, and in a few moments she was
beside him.

"Forgiven!" she murmured; and, bending, pressed her lips to his pale
forehead, and taking his hand, she sat on the cot beside him. There
was little said, but

"Eyes looked love to eyes that spake again."

So they remained until the sun went down and it was getting quite
dark, when Dr. B. came in and said:

"Ah, Ashton, you have a more skillful physician than I. She has done
more for you in five minutes than I have for as many weeks, I guess
you will take that furlough and commission now, Lieutenant Ashton."

He took Dr. B.'s hand, and said:

"Under God, doctor, by your skillful