At a Girl's Mercy, or, The Fortunes of War — page 173: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

162 2 AT A GIRL’S MERCY. wearily. “I gave—my name—as another, Helen, for—I would not—have them know——” ¢ She nodded, smiling as though her heart were not aching sadly, and said, softly, in her tender voice, made more tender and soft by the knowledge of his suffering : : “They shall not know, Charlie. I promise that. I gave Nan my word that I would care for you or your brother should you come to me, as I would wish my brother to be cared for should there be need. I will do as I said, and you need not fear their knowing until you tell them yourself. You must not talk any more. If Iam to care for you you must obey me. |. can only command the weak, you know.” It was her old brave spirit uttering its cheer, and Charlie Courtland, suffering intensely, more even than his gentle nurse could realize, smiled his brave smile and closed his eyes obediently, only saying — very low, so that only she heard: | “Tt is sweet to obey such a gentle commander, my Helen!?’’ Few words, perhaps; but how they cheered her during the weary days and nights that followed, while he lay fighting against the hold death had upon him. Many a time not only the nurse, but the surgeon feared the struggle of the brave spirit against the body’s weakness would be in vain, It was a terrible fight. Never in the ranks, at the head of his company, had the young captain strug- gled as now he was struggling for his life with the help of his nurse and the help of his surgeon. Many a time the flickering light nearly died from the gray eyes, and the face grew set, as though the touch of death was upon him; but he struggled, and ral- lied, and they still kept up their hearts, though it was an almost hopeless struggle. But Helen would not let her heart fail her. She could save this Heyer! of her friend if it were in human power to O SO. “They’re all brave women—every one of them, Nurse Travers,’’ said the surgeon, ‘‘but there isn’t one of them could bring back the soul toa fainting body as you do. There is something in your eyes comi