whom she was knitting the stockings. The rest of the meeting was a
blank to me.

I watched, and followed them to the door of the boarding house. I hid
myself behind a lamp post, as they paused on the steps. She turned
toward him, her face all aglow with feeling.

'Good by, Frank. Take good care of yourself. I'm glad to have you
enlist, but so sorry to lose you,' and tears trembled in her eyes.

'Good by, Kate, darling; and after the war is over, I will come home and
take care of my bird,' and he turned away.

'Stop Frank!'

'Well, birdie?'

'Those are not fit words to dismiss a soldier with. Here, I'll give you
a watchword. Think of it, Frank:

"Never give up! though the grapeshot may rattle
Or the thick thunder cloud over you burst,
Stand like a rock! in the storm or the battle,
Little shall harm you, though doing their worst!"

'Brave words, Kate. You deserve a kiss for them.' It was given. I turned
away in desperation, and walked onward, not caring where I went.
Policemen watched me, but the lateness of the hour made no difference to
me. I could have walked all night. At length I came to a bridge. The
moon was shining upon the rippling water. It looked cold and dark,
except where the ripples were. There would be a plunge, and then the
water would flow on over my head. Why not? I did not know I had loved
her with such devotion. It was all over now. She belonged to another. My
foot was on the rail. I thought then of the name I had signed to the
roll. 'No, Jacob Armstrong, you have no right to take the life which
you have given to your country.' I turned away toward my boarding place,
full of bitterness and despair. A tiny glove was on the stairs. I picked
it up and pressed it passionately to my lips, and cursed myself for the
act as I threw it down again.

The days that followed were weary enough. I made arrangements for my
departure with all possible speed. I avoided Kate, and was cold and
haughty in my salutations. I am very dignified naturally. I can be an
iceberg in human shape when I wish. One evening I went into the parlor
before tea, and took up a newspaper. Kate came in. I put on my dignity,
and tried to be interested in politics, though I could think of nothing
but the dainty figure opposite, and the gleaming needles in her hands. I
struggled with the passionate, bitter feelings that rose at the sight of
her, and was calm and cold.

'I am glad you have enlisted, Mr. Armstrong, she said.

'T