Sometimes in my dreams I see her looking
approvingly and blessing me."
"Your mother, where is she?"
He pointed up, and said:
"Father, mother, both gone, I hope and trust to heaven. I am
alone--yes, yes, all alone now."
I would not let him talk any more, and finding out from the attendant
what he most relished, I promised to see him the next day.
I saw him almost every day for a fortnight. He grew no worse, but
very little, if any, better. On one occasion Dr. B. said:
"I do not know what to make of Ashton. He ought to improve much
faster. My dear madam, set your woman's wits at work; perhaps we may
find a cure."
"I have been thinking I would try to gain his confidence. I know he
has a hidden sorrow. I must, for his sake, probe the wound; but I
fancy it is in his heart."
During my next visit I said:
"I wish you would tell me something of your life; how you came to
enter the army; and, indeed, all you will of your Southern home."
His face flushed, and he replied:
"No, I cannot. Why should you want to know----"
Then he stopped, hesitated and said:
"I beg your pardon. You have been so kind to me; it is due I should
comply; but not now; to-morrow; I must have time to consider and
compose my mind.
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