After sitting by his side until the
attendant came to dress his wounds, I bade him good-night, and
promised to see him in the morning.
On my way out I met Dr. B. God bless him! for his kindness to our
boys. No woman ever was more gentle and patient. "Doctor," I
exclaimed, as he was hurrying by, "stop and tell me, how is Ashton
wounded? Is he very ill? Will he die?"
"Ah, Mrs. H., three questions in one breath. Yes, he is very ill.
Three wounds in the right side and shoulder, which are draining his
life away. I fear he must die. Is he one of your boys? Do all you can
for him."
"May I?" I replied.
"Yes, my dear madam; and try to keep up his spirits. I give you leave.
Tell Sister L. He is a noble fellow--I am deeply interested in him."
The next day found me much earlier than usual at the hospital. To my
great pleasure I found that Ashton had rested well, and was much
easier than any one expected he would be. He smiled and put out his
hand when I approached his bed, and motioned me to be seated. After
talking to him a few moments I found him looking at me very intently,
and soon he said:
"Are you from the Bay State?"
I replied: "Oh, no, I am a Southern woman.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170