Seeing that, she directly took alarm, and commenced to talk upon a score of indifferent themes.
He had never seen her in such a mood: gay, witty, brilliant,--full of a restless sparkle and fire; she would not speak an earnest word, nor hear one.

She flung about bonmots, and chatted airy persiflage till his heart ached.

At another time, in another condition, he would have been delighted, dazzled, at this strange display; but not now.
In some careless fashion the war had been alluded to, and she spoke of Chancellorsville.

"It was there you were last wounded ?" "Yes," he answered, not even looking down at the empty sleeve.
"It was there you lost your arm ?" "Yes," he answered again, "I am sorry it was my sword-arm." "It was frightful,"-- holding her breath.

"Do you know you were reported mortally wounded?
worse ?" "I have heard that I was sent up with the slain," he replied, half-smiling.
"It is true.