wrote you a pass--to Richmond. Can you read it?"

Virgie leaned against her father's shoulder, studying the paper long and
earnestly; then, presently looked up, with a note of grave but courteous
hesitation in her tone:

"Well--he--well, the Gen'ral writes a awful bad hand, Daddy."

Her father laughed in genuine delight, vowing in his heart to tell his
general and friend of this crushing criticism, if ever the fates of war
permitted them to meet again.

"Dead right!" he agreed, with hearty promptness. "But come, I'll read it
for you. Now then. Listen:

"HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VA.

"_Pass Virginia Cary and escort through all Confederate lines and
give safe-conduct wherever possible._

"R.E. LEE, _General_."

There was silence for a moment, then Virgie looked up, with tears in her
eyes and voice.

"An' he did that--for little _me_? Oh, Daddy, I love him so much, it--it
makes me want to cry."

She hid her face on the coat of gray, and sobbed; while her father
stroked her hair and answered soothingly, but in a tone of mourning