I cannot give you my blessing--as I might in happier circumstances--nor can I wish success to your cause.

I too am a Talbot, and have my principles, which I must also maintain; but at least I can gird your sword about you, and express the hope and make the prayer, as I do, that you may wear and use it honorably; and that hope, if you are true to the traditions of our house, will never be broken,--I feel sure of that, at least." The young man bent and kissed his mother, a new light shining in his eyes.

"Mother, I thank you.

At least, as far as I am concerned, I will endeavor to do my duty honorably in every field.

And now I think, with your permission, I will go over and tell Katharine that I have at last made up my mind and cast my lot in with her--I mean with our country," he said, blushing, but with the thoughtless disregard of youth as to the meaning and effect of his words.
"Go, my son, and God be with you!" she said solemnly.
He stepped quickly out on the porch, and, swinging into the saddle of the horse which awaited him, with the ease and grace of an accomplished horseman, galloped off in the moonlight night followed by the groom.
The little old woman stood rigidly in the doorway a moment, looking after her departed son, and then she walked quickly down to a rustic seat on the brow of the hill and sat down heavily, following with straining eyes and yearning heart his rapidly disappearing figure.