At a Girl's Mercy, or, The Fortunes of War — page 52: what you’re looking at

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

AT A GIRL’S MERCY. 41 but one of our boys is needing our care this minute while lam idle here. Our Frank, or our big, brave Charlie.”’ She sank back into her seat, the momentary flush of excitement leaving her paler than before. “I know,” the young man said, and he laid his hand firmly over the two little white hands clasped inherlap. “But, after all, Nan, it is braver to stay right here, wishing to go as you do, when your mother and father need you so much, than to go to the war as a brave little soldier. It’s a great deal harder for a soldier to stand watching a battle, sternly in reserve, than to dash into the very thick- est of the fight and have it out in action; but some must stand back to take the places that are left va- cant or where would come the victory? We soldiers know who are the brave ones, Nan, without any telling.”’ She gave him a slow, grateful smile, and there was silence between them for amoment; then she asked, trying to keep her voice steady: ‘“When will she go, Ned?’’ “She goes on with me to morrow, Nan. She wished you to be with her to-night, but now that it is im- possible, she will come to you this evening.’’ Then, rising swiftly to his feet, he turned and caught her hands vehemently in his, his eyes search-. ing the frank blue eyes lifted to his. ‘‘Good-by,”’ he said, slowly, the effort to keep his voice steady making it almost harsh. ‘“‘Good-by, Nan, dear. God keep you wherever you are.”’ Her eyes, meeting his, grew unconsciously wist- ful, and tears stole into them as she said, gently: “If you have time, will you let me hear from you, Ned, so that I may know how you are getting on? I (E(@) m Ccomicbooks