"Spoken like a brave girl and a true Southern woman," he replied, "and
I shall remember your words when I go into battle. It will nerve and
inspire me to fight with redoubled courage, when I recollect that I am
battling for you." As he spoke he gazed at her with mingled pride and
affection, and for some minutes they remained gazing at each other
with that affection which springs from

"Two souls with but a single thought--
Two hearts that beat as one."

Oh, Love! ye goddess of all that is blissful and elevating in man! How
thy devotees bow down to thy shrine and offer all that they possess to
purchase but a smile from thee! And when you have cast your favors on
some happy mortal, and the pure feeling of affection becomes centered
on woman, the fairest flower from Eden, how should not mankind cherish
the gift you have bestowed upon him, and look upon it as the first and
priceless object on earth, and but second to one above in heaven!

The lovers remained in this silence, which spoke more than words could
have done, until the entrance of a tall and venerable looking
gentleman of about fifty years of age. As soon as he entered, they
rose up together, the young lady addressing him as "father," and the
young man as "doctor."

"How are you, Harry, my boy? give me a kiss, Em'," he said, in one
breath, as he shook the young man warmly by the hand and pressed a
parental kiss on the brow of his daughter. "Pretty warm weather,
this," he continued, speaking to the young man; "it is almost
stifling."