I knew that you must know
much, and I did not shrink before you, Surry! Do you know why? Because
I have repented, friend! and thank God! my evil passions did not
result, as I intended, in murder and self-destruction!"
Mohun passed his hand across his forehead, to wipe away the drops of
cold perspiration.
"All this is gloomy and tragic," he said; "and yet I must inflict it on
you, Surry. Even more, I earnestly long to tell you the whole story of
which you have caught these glimpses. Will you listen? It will not be
long. I wish to show you, my dear friend--you are that to me,
Surry!--that I am not unworthy of your regard; that there are no
degrading scenes, at least, in my past life; that I have not cheated,
tricked, deceived--even if I have attempted to destroy myself and
others! Will you listen?"
"I have been waiting long to do so, Mohun," I said. "Speak, but first
hear me. There is a man in this army who is the soul of honor. Since my
father's death I value his good opinion more than that of all
others--it is Robert E. Lee. Well, come with me if you choose, and I
will go to Lee with you, and place my hand upon your shoulder, and say:
'General, this is my friend! I vouch for him; I am proud of his regard.
Think well of him, or badly of me too!' Are you satisfied?"
Mohun smiled sadly.
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