. Now, I see you open your eyes with wonder; but, believe
me, there are many like me, true, loyal woman in the South; but my
particular interest in our regiments is, my father is a native of
Boston; but I love all our brave boys just the same."

A look of much interest was in his face, which I was so glad to see,
being so different from the total apathy of the day before.

"You are the first lady from Virginia that I have met who was not very
bitter against us Yankees--it is really amusing to be called so, to a
Mississippi man. Do you not feel a sympathy for the South? Your
interest is with them. You against your State and I mine--we certainly
are kindred spirits," he smilingly said. "We think and feel alike. It
is not politics but religion my mother always taught me. Love God
first and best, then my country, and I have followed her precepts, at
a very great sacrifice, too. Sometimes in my dreams I see her looking
approvingly and blessing me."

"Your mother, where is she?"

He pointed up, and said:

"Father, mother, both gone, I hope and trust to heaven. I am
alone--yes, yes, all alone now."

I would not let him talk any more, and finding out from the attendant
what he most relished, I promised to see him the next day.

I saw him almost every day for a fortnight. He grew no worse, but
very little, if any, better. On one occasion Dr. B. said:

"I do not know what to make of Ashton. He ought to improve much
faster. My dear madam, set your woman's wits at work; perhaps we may
find a cure."

"I have been thinking I would try to gain his confidence. I know he
has a hidden sorrow. I must, for his sake, probe the wound; but I
fancy it is in his heart."

During my next visit I said:

"I wish you would tell me something of your life; how you came to
enter the army; and, indeed, all you will of your Southern home."

His face flushed, and he replied:

"No, I cannot. Why should you want to know----"

Then he stopped, hesitated and said:

"I beg your pardon. You have been so kind to me; it is due I should
comply; but not now; to-morrow; I must have time to consider and
compose my mind. To-morrow, please God, if I am living, I will tell
you; and you will see that I have a severer wound than good Dr. B.
knows of--one he cannot use his skillful hand upon."

"Well, thank you--I would rather wait until to-morrow. I am anxious to
get home early this afternoon."

On reaching his cot the next day, I saw Ashton was calm