All smiled at her words, and Ackley remarked to one of the Union surgeons, “Dr. Borden, I thought our men could hold their own pretty well with the Army in Flanders, but you Yanks, I reckon, surpass all military organizations, past or present.  There was one man especially who fairly made the night lurid and left a sulphurous odor after him when he was brought in.  It would be rather rough on us all if we were where he consigned us with a vim that was startling.  I certainly hope that Miss Baron is not compelled to hear any such language.”

“I appeal to Miss Baron herself,” said Dr. Borden, “if she has been offended in this respect to-day?”

“No, indeed, I have not,” replied the girl indignantly.  “I never was treated with more courtesy.  I have not heard a rough word from the Yankees even when they did not know I was near, and that is more than I can say of our own men.  Fight the Yankees all you please, but don’t do them injustice.”

In spite of the girl’s flushed, incensed face, there was an explosion of laughter.  “Pardon me, Miss Baron,” said Ackley, “but you can’t know how droll your idea of injustice to the Yankees seems to us.  That you have such an idea, however, is a credit to you and to them also, for they must have been behaving themselves prodigiously.”

“Yes, Dr. Ackley,” replied Borden emphatically, “Miss Baron’s impressions are a credit to her and to my patients.  They promptly recognized her motives and character, and for her sake they pledged themselves that while here, where she is one of the nurses, they would not use language at any time which they would not have their mothers hear.  That very man you speak of, who swore so last night, believes himself dying from his effort at self-restraint.  This is not true, for he would have died anyhow, but his death is hastened by his effort.  He has been in agony all day.  Opiates make him worse, so there is no use of giving them.  But I can tell you, no man in your Confederacy ever did a braver thing than he is doing this minute to show his respect for this young lady who has shown kindness to his comrades.  I can assure you, Lieutenant Whately, that you need have no fears about your cousin when visiting my patients.”

“What’s the name of the soldier of whom you speak?” Miss Lou asked eagerly.

“He is called Yarry.  I don’t know any other name yet—­been so busy dressing wounds.”

“Thank you,” faltered the girl, rising, her face showing signs of strong emotion.

“Oh, Louise! finish your supper,” expostulated Mrs. Whately.  “You must not let these scenes take so strong a hold”—­but she was out of hearing.  “I fear it’s all going to be too much for her,” sighed the lady in conclusion.

Mr. Baron and his wife exchanged grim glances from the head and foot of the table, as much as to say, “She has shaken off our control and we are not responsible,” but Ackley remarked, “I agree with you, Dr. Borden, that it’s fine to see a girl show such a spirit, and I congratulate you that your men are capable of appreciating it.  By the way, Mrs. Whately, I have put her, with you, in charge of young Waldo and truly hope that among us we can bring him through.”