iform of a lieutenant, when she started up, and meeting him, said in
a half-vexed, half-playful tone:

"Oh, Harry! why did you not come earlier? I have been waiting for your
arrival over an hour!"

"Excuse me, dearest," he answered. "I was just on the point of
starting from my office when I received a mass of orders from
regimental headquarters, which detained me until a few minutes ago.
You must, therefore," he continued, "excuse me for this once, and I
shall not offend again," and as he spoke he parted the hair from her
forehead and pressed a kiss upon her lips.

"I forgive you for this time," she answered, playfully tapping him on
the shoulder with her fan; "but the next offence I will not be so
likely to excuse."

"I will take good care not to offend again, then," he laughingly said.

The conversation continued for some time in this light way, which
lovers will sometimes indulge in, when, assuming a serious
countenance, she spoke to him:

"When does your regiment leave for Virginia?"

"I hardly know," he replied, "if it will go to Virginia at all. The
Colonel informs me that it is likely the regiment will be sent to
Tennessee; so if it is sent there, I will be nearer than you thought."

"What a horrid thing war is!" she said, without appearing to notice
his last remarks.

"You are not inclined to show the white feather now, are you?" he
said, laughing.

Her bright blue eyes sparkled for a moment, as if repudiating the
question; then lowering them she answered: "No, indeed. I would not
have a single one that I love remain at home while the Abolitionists
are invading our homes."

"Spoken like a brave girl and a true Southern woman," he replied, "and
I shall remember your words when I go into battle. It will nerve and
inspire me to fight with redoubled courage, when I recollect that I am
battling for you." As he spoke he gazed at her with mingled pride and
affection, and for some minutes they remained gazing at each other
with that affection which springs from

"Two souls with but a single thought--
Two hearts that beat as one."

Oh, Love! ye goddess of all that is blissful and elevating in man! How
thy devotees bow down to thy shrine and offer all that they possess to
purchase but a smile from thee! And when you have cast your favors on
some happy mortal, and the pure feeling of affection becomes centered
on woman, the fairest flower from Eden, how should not mankind cherish
the gift you hav