Page:The Clansman (1905).djvu/48

 "If we had only known you in time"

The President accompanied her to the door with a deference of manner that showed he had been deeply touched.

"Take this letter to Mr. Stanton at once," he said. "Some folks complain of my pardons, but it rests me after a hard day's work if I can save some poor boy's life. I go to bed happy, thinking of the joy I have given to those who love him."

As the last words were spoken, a peculiar dreaminess of expression stole over his care-worn face, as if a throng of gracious memories had lifted for a moment the burden of his life.