“I cannot believe it yet. We will not believe
it. Now listen patiently, for you will have your
part to do.”
“Yes, yes; if I could only do something!
That would help me so much. Oh, if I could only
go with you!”
“That would not be best or wise, and might defeat
my efforts. I must be free to go where you could
not—to visit places unsafe for you.
My first step must be to get letters to our State Senator.
Your father can write one, and I’ll get one or
two others. The Senator will give me a letter
to the Governor, who in turn will accredit me to the
authorities at Washington and the officer in command
on the battlefield. You know I shall need passes.
Those who go to the extreme front must be able to
account for themselves. I will keep in telegraphic
communication with you, and you may receive additional
tidings which will aid me in my search. Mr. Kemble!”
he concluded, calling her father from his perturbed
pacing up and down the hall.
“Ah!” said the banker, entering, “this
is a hundred-fold better than despairing, useless
grief. I’ve heard the gist of what Hobart
has said, and approve it. Now I’ll call
mother, so that we may all take courage and get a
good grip on hope.”
They consulted together briefly, and in the prospect
of action, Helen was carried through the first dangerous
crisis in her experience.
“Disabled”
Mrs. Martine grieved over her son’s unexpected
resolve. In her estimation he was engaging in
a very dangerous and doubtful expedition. Probably
mothers will never outgrow a certain jealousy when
they find that another woman has become first in the
hearts of their sons. The sense of robbery was
especially strong in this case, for Mrs. Martine was
a widow, and Hobart an only and idolized child.
The mother speedily saw that it would be useless to
remonstrate, and tearfully aided him in his preparations.
Before he departed, he won her over as an ally.
“These times, mother, are bringing heavy burdens
to very many, and we should help each other bear them.
You know what Helen is to me, and must be always.
That is something which cannot be changed. My
love has grown with my growth and become inseparable
from my life. I have my times of weakness, but
think I can truly say that I love her so well that
I would rather make her happy at any cost to myself.
If it is within my power, I shall certainly bring
Nichol back, alive or dead. Prove your love to
me, mother, by cheering, comforting, and sustaining
that poor girl. I haven’t as much hope of
success as I tried to give her, but she needs hope
now; she must have it, or there is no assurance against
disastrous effects on her health and mind. I
couldn’t bear that.”
“Well, Hobart, if he is dead, she certainly
ought to reward you some day.”
“We must not think of that. The future
is not in our hands. We can only do what is duty
now.”
