Miss Lou wakened with the dawn and recognized with gladness that her
strength and courage for work had been restored. Even more potent
than thoughts of Scoville was the impulse to be at work again,
especially among those with whom she inevitably associated him.
Dressing hastily, she went first to see the old Confederate colonel.
He was evidently failing fast Ackley and an attendant were watching
him. He looked at the girl, smiled and held out his hand. She took
it and sat down beside him.
"Ah!" he said feebly, "this is a good deal better than dying alone.
Would you mind, my child, writing some things I would like to say to
my family?"
Miss Lou brought her portfolio and tearfully received his dying
messages.
"Poor little girl!" said the colonel, "you are witnessing scenes
very strange to you. Try to keep your heart tender and womanly, no
matter what you see. Such tears as yours reveal the power to help
and bless, not weakness. I can say to YOU all the sacred, farewell
words which would be hard to speak to others.
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