time, but he really has been good to me. I don't see how he can
have done the things they say he's done."

"There may be a mistake."

That's good of you, dear, but you forget your mother's statements
and all that Rigby says--all that. Oh, I've gone over all of it,
and I am convinced. I wonder what has become of him. He was afraid
of--of--well, there was talk of an arrest before I left. I have not
looked at a newspaper since I saw the headlines that awful morning.
God, how they must have hurt you!"

"I, too, have not looked at a newspaper since then, Graydon," she
said simply. He smiled wearily and there was response in her eyes.

He took her hand in his and they sat silently side by side on the
bench for half an hour, their thoughts far away but of one another.

"Graydon," she said at last, "are you going to remain in the army?"

"No, I am through with it. My discharge is to be recommended. I'm
disabled."

"You will be as strong as ever, dear."

"Do you want me to stick to the army? I am only a private."

"You can do greater things out in the world, I know. You will be
a great man if you don't lose heart, Graydon."