fully realize the cause for my torn and begrimed uniform.

A glance from the window told me the Federal cavalrymen were bearing
out the dead and depositing them beyond view of the house in the
deserted negro cabins. Ebers and one or two of my own men were standing
near, carefully scanning the uncovered faces as they were borne past,
while scraps of conversation overheard brought the information that the
long dining-room where I had passed the night on guard had been
converted into a temporary hospital.

Irresolute as to my next action, I passed out into the upper hall. It
was deserted and strangely silent, seemingly far removed from all those
terrible scenes so lately enacted in the rooms beneath. My head by this
time throbbed with pain; I desired to be alone, to think, to map out my
future course before proceeding down the stairs to meet the others.
With this in view I sank down in complete weariness upon a convenient
settee. I could hear the sound of muffled voices below, while an
occasional order was spoken loud enough to reach me; but I was utterly
alone, and my thoughts wandered, as though the strain of the past few
hours had completely wrecked all my mental faculties. It was Edith
Brennan--Edith Brennan--who remained constantly before me, and wherever
my eyes wandered they beheld the same fail-face, which tantalized me by
its presence and mocked me in every resolve I sought to form. There was
no safety for me--and none for her, as I now verily believed--save in
my immediate departure. We could be together no longer without my
unlocking sealed lips and giving utterance to words she could not
listen to, words she must never hear. I was yet struggling to force
this decision into action when complete fatigue overcame me. My heavy
head sank back upon the arm of the settee, and deep sleep closed my
eyes.