Page:The Clansman (1905).djvu/30

 "I thought I recognised you from a miniature I've seen," she answered softly. "I'll lead you direct to his cot."

"Thank you, thank you!" came the low reply.

In a moment she was beside him, and Elsie walked away to the open window through which came the chirp of sparrows from the lilac-bushes in full bloom below.

The mother threw one look of infinite tenderness on the drawn face, and her hands suddenly clasped in prayer:

"I thank Thee, Lord Jesus, for this hour! Thou hast heard the cry of my soul and led my feet!" She gently knelt, kissed the hot lips, smoothed the dark tangled hair back from his forehead, and her hand rested over his eyes.

A faint flush tinged his face.

"It's you, Mama—I—know—you—that's—your—hand—or—else—it's—God's!"

She slipped her arms about him.

"My hero, my darling, my baby!"

"I'll get well now, Mama, never fear. You see, I had whipped them that day as I had many a time before. I don't know how it happened—my men seemed all to go down at once. You know—I couldn't surrender in that new uniform of a colonel you sent me—we made a gallant fight, and—now—I'm just—a—little—tired—but you are here, and it's all right."

"Yes, yes, dear. It's all over now. General Lee has surrendered, and when you are better I'll take you home, where the sunshine and flowers will give you strength again.

"How's my little Sis?"