I am proud--no man was ever prouder--but I have
bowed my forehead to the dust, and if the Almighty now denies me the
supreme consolation of this pure girl's affection,--if loving her as I
do, and beloved by her, as I may venture to tell you, friend, I am to
see myself thrust back from this future--then, Surry, I will give the
last proof of my submission: I will bow down my head, and say 'Thy
will, not mine, Lord, be done!'"
Mohun's head sank as he uttered the words. To the proud face came an
expression of deep solemnity and touching sweetness. The firm lips were
relaxed--the piercing eyes had become soft. Mohun was greater in his
weakness than he had ever been in his strength.
When an hour afterward we had mounted our horses, and were riding back
slowly through the night, I said, looking at him by the dim
starlight:--
"This is no longer a gay young cavalryman--a mere thoughtless
youth--but a patriot, fit to live or die with Lee!"
BOOK V.
THE DEAD GO FAST.
I.
THE "DOOMED CITY" IN PROFILE--DECEMBER, 1864.
The scenes just described took place in the month of November. In
December I obtained the priceless boon of a few days' leave of absence,
and paid a visit to Richmond.
There was little there of a cheerful character; all was sombre and
lugubrious.
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