“On what ground do you make this request?” inquired the Secretary, gazing into the sweet young face of Jenny, with a feeling of respect blended with admiration.

“On the ground of humanity,” was the simple yet earnestly spoken reply.

“How can you put it on that ground?”

“A young man of his education and abilities can serve society better in another position.”

“But he has chosen the place he is in.”

“Not deliberately.  In a moment of disappointment and blind passion he took a false step.  Severely has he suffered for this act.  Let it not be prolonged, lest it destroy him.  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.  You don’t know how Mr. Lofton has failed since Mark went away,” added Jenny in a tone meant to reach the feelings of her auditor.

“He looks many years older.  Ah, sir, if you would only grant my request!”

“Will the young man return to his family!  Have you spoken to him about it?”

“No; I wished not to create hopes that might fail.  But give me his release, and I will have a claim on him.”

“And you will require him to go home in acknowledgment of that claim.”

“I will not leave him till he goes back,” said Jenny.

“Is he not satisfied in the service?”

“How could he be satisfied with it?” Jenny spoke with a quick impulse, and with something like rebuke in her voice.  “No!  It is crushing out his very life.  Think of your own son in such a position!”