One of his spirit can scarcely pass through so severe an ordeal without fainting." "Does Mr.Lofton, his grandfather, desire what you ask ?" "Mr.Lofton is a proud man.

He entertained high hopes for Mark, who has, in this act, so bitterly disappointed them, that he has not been known to utter his name since the news of his enlistment was received." "And his father ?" Jenny shook her head, sighing-- "I don't know anything about him.

He was angry, and, I believe, cast him off." "And you, then, are his only advocate ?" Jenny's eyes dropped to the floor, and a deeper tinge overspread her countenance.
"What is your relation to him, and to his friends ?" asked the Secretary, his manner becoming more serious.
It was some moments before Jenny replied.

Then she said, in a more subdued voice: "I am living with Mr.Lofton.

But--" She hesitated, and then became silent and embarrassed.
"Does Mr.Lofton know of your journey to Washington ?" Jenny shook her head.
"Where did you tell him you were going ?" "I said nothing to him, but came away the moment I heard the ship was expected to arrive at Norfolk." "Suppose I release him from the service ?" "I will persuade him to go back with me to Fairview, and then I know that all will be forgiven between him and his grandfather.