Next morning my mind was made up, I went over to see Ashton; found
him in poorer spirits than ever. I sat down and tried to cheer him up.
He said:
"I feel more miserable this morning than ever in my life before. I
have a furlough for thirty days, but I do not care to take it. I am as
well here as anywhere."
I said: "I have often found that the darkest hours are many times
followed by the brightest. Cheer up. I feel as if you would have some
comfort before long, and see! Why, here you have a bouquet with so
many 'heart's-eases' in it. Heaven grant it may be a token of coming
ease and happiness. Who gave these to you? It is rarely we see them at
this season."
"Sister L. gave them to me; they came from the greenhouse."
I told him I should see him again that afternoon, and taking my leave,
went over to see the nurse at the armory. She came quickly forward to
see me, and said:
"Have you any news----"
"I have heard of him; he was in the battle and very severely wounded,
but living when my friend last heard of him."
"When was that? Where is he?" she exclaimed, hurriedly. "You know
more, I can see; please tell me."
I answered her:
"I will tell you all, but I must beg of you a little confidence in
return.
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