I shall lean my heart upon it till the last
pulsations are stilled in my coffin. And now I will keep you no longer from
your regiment. I know that you have many duties there to claim your time.
Turn your face toward the window; I want to look at it, to be able to keep
its expression always before me."

She put up her waxen hand, brushed the hair from his pale, dome-like brow,
and gazed earnestly at the noble features, which even the most fastidious
could find no cause to carp at.

"Of old, when Eurystheus threatened Athens, Macaria, in order to save the
city and the land from invasion and subjugation, willingly devoted herself
a sacrifice upon the altar of the gods. Ah, Russell! that were an easy
task, in comparison with the offering I am called upon to make. I cannot,
like Macaria, by self-immolation, redeem my country--from that great
privilege I am debarred--but I yield up more than she ever possessed. I
give my all on earth--my father and yourself--to our beloved and suffering
country. My God! accept the sacrifice, and crown the South a sovereign,
independent nation!"

She smothered a moan, and her head sank on his shoulder; but lifting it
instantly, with her fathomless affection beaming in her face, she added--

"To the mercy and guidance of Almighty God I commit you, dear Russell,
trusting all things in His hands. May He shield you from suffering,
strengthen you in the hour of trial, and reunite us eternally in His
kingdom, is, and ever shall be, my constant prayer. Good-bye, Russell. Do
your duty nobly; win deathless glory on the battlefield in defence of our
sacred cause; and remember that your laurels will be very precious to my
lonely heart."

He watched the wonderful loveliness of face and form, till his pride was
utterly melted, and, sinking on his knees, he threw one arm around her
waist exclaiming--

"O Irene, you have conquered! With God's grace I will so spend the residue
of my life as to merit your love, and the hope of reunion beyond the
grave."

She laid her hand lightly on his bowed head as he knelt beside her, and, in
a voice that knew no faltering, breathed out a fervent prayer, full of
pathos and sublime faith--invoking blessings upon him--life-long
guardianship, and final salvation through Christ. The petition ended, she
rose, smiling through the mist that gathered over her eyes, and he said--

"I now ask something which I feel that you will not refuse me. Electra will
probably soon come