et
that such a being as Thomas Hansford ever darkened your path through
life, and think of our past love as a dream. I can bear your
forgetfulness, but not your hate. For you, sir," he added, turning to
Alfred Bernard, "let me hope that we will meet again, where no
interruption will prevent our final separation."

With these words, Hansford, his form proudly erect, but his heart bowed
down with sorrow, slowly left the house.

"Are you not a Justice of the Peace?" asked Bernard, with a meaning
look.

"And what is that to you, sir?" replied the old man, suspecting the
design of the question.

"Only, sir, that as such it is your sworn duty to arrest that traitor. I
know it is painful, but still it is your duty."

"And who the devil told you to come and teach me my duty, sir?" said the
old man, wrathfully. "Let me tell you, sir, that Tom Hansford, with all
his faults, is a d--d sight better than a great many who are free from
the stain of rebellion. Rebellion!--oh, my God!--poor, poor Tom."

"Nay, then, sir," said Bernard, meekly, "I beg your pardon. I only felt
it my duty to remind you of what you might have forgotten. God forbid
that I should wish to endanger the life of a poor young man, whose only
fault may be that he was too easily led away by others."

"You are right, by God," said the Colonel, quickly. "He is the victim of
designing men, and yet I never said a word to reclaim him. Oh, I have
acted basely and not like a friend. I will go now and bring him back,
wife; though if he don't repent--zounds!--neither will I; no, not for a
million friends."

So saying, the noble-hearted old loyalist, whose impulsive nature was as
prompt to redeem as to commit an error, started from the room to reclaim
his lost boy. It was too late. Hansford, anticipating the result of the
fatal revelation, had ordered his horse even before his first interview
with Virginia. The old Colonel only succeeded in catching a glimpse of
him from the porch, as at a full gallop he disappeared through the
forest.

With a heavy sigh he returned to the study, there to meet with the
consolations of his good wife, which were contained in the following
words:

"Well, I hope and trust he is gone, and will never darken our doors
again. You know, my dear, I always told you that you were wrong about
that young man, Hansford. There always seemed to be a lack of frankness
and openness in his character, and although I do not like to interpose
my objec