by Thomas Dixon
CHAPTER XXXI
LOVE AND WAR
Captain Richard Welford reached Richmond from the Western army two daysafter Lee had driven McClellan under the shelter of the navy. He hadbeen wounded in battle, promoted to the rank of Captain for gallantry onthe field and sent home on furlough for two months.
He used his left hand to raise the knocker on Jennie's door. His rightarm was yet in a sling. His heart was beating a wild march as he rushedfrom the hotel to the Senator's house. He had not heard from Jennie intwo months but the communications of the Western army had been cut morethan once and he thought nothing of the long silence. It had only madehis hunger to see the girl he loved the more acute. He had fairlyshouted his joy when a piece of shell broke his right arm and hurled himfrom his horse. He never thought of promotion for gallantry. It came asa surprise. The one hope that leaped when he scrambled to his feet andfelt the helpless arm hanging by his side was to see the girl he hadleft behind.
"Glory to God!" he murmured fervently, "I'll go to her now!"
He was just a little proud of that broken arm as he waited for herentrance. The shoulder straps he wore looked well, too. She would besurprised. It had all happened so quickly, no account had yet reachedthe Richmond papers.
Jennie bounded into the room with a cry of joy.
"Oh, Dick, I'm so glad to see you!"
He smiled and extended his left hand.
"Jennie!" was all he could say.
"You are wounded?" she whispered.
Dick nodded.
"Yep--a shell toppled me over but I was on my feet in a minutelaughing--and I'll bet you couldn't guess what about?"
"No--"
"Laughed because I knew I'd get to see you--"
"I'm so proud of you!" she cried through her tears.
"Are you?" he asked tenderly.
"Of course I am--don't you think I know what those shoulder strapsmean?"
"Well, I just care because you care, Jennie--"
"You're a brave Southern boy fighting for our rights--you care for that,too."
"Oh yes, of course, but that's not the big thing after all, littlegirl--"
He paused and seized her hand.
She blushed and drew it gently away.
"Please--not that now--"
"Why--not now?"
He asked the question in tones so low they were almost a gasp. He felthis doom in the way she had withdrawn her hand.
"Because--" she hesitated just a moment to strike the blow she knewwould hurt so pitifully and then went on firmly, "I've met my fate,Dick--and pledged him my heart."
The Captain lifted his shoulders with a little movement of soldierlypride, held himself firmly, mastered the first rush of despair and thenspoke with assumed indifference:
"Socola?"
Jennie smiled faintly.
"Yes."
He rose awkwardly and started to the door. Jennie placed her hand on hiswounded arm with a gesture of pathetic protest.
"Dick!"
"I can't help it, I must go--"
"Not like this!"
"I can't smile and lie to you. It means too much. I hate that man. He'sa scoundrel, if God ever made one--"
Jennie's hand slipped from his arm.
"That will do now--not another word--"
"I beg your pardon, Jennie," he stammered. "I didn't think what I wassaying, honey. It just popped out because it was inside. You'll forgiveme?"
The anger died in her eyes and she took his outstretched hand.
"Of course, I understand--and I'm sorry. I appreciate the love you'vegiven me. I wish in my heart I could have returned it. You deserve it--"
The Captain lifted his left hand.
"No pity, please. I'm man enough to fight--and I'm going to fight.You're not yet _Signora_ Socola--"
The girl laughed.
"That's more like a soldier!"
"We'll be friends anyhow, Jennie?"
"Always."
The Captain left the Senator's house with a grim smile playing about hisstrong mouth. He had made up his mind to fight for love and country onthe same base. He would ask for his transfer to the Secret Service ofthe Confederacy.
