XIV.
BENEVOLENCE AND BROTHERHOOD.
The summer of 1774 was waning. Once more Robert Walden was on his wayto Boston. The wagon which Jenny and Paul were dragging was loadedwith bags filled with corn and rye, not to be sold in the market, buta gift from Joshua Walden and his fellow-citizens of Rumford to thepeople of Boston. Parliament, in retaliation for the destruction ofthe tea, had passed an act closing the port to commerce.[50] After thefirst day of June, no vessels other than those of the navy could enteror depart from the harbor. Fishermen could no longer catch cod ormackerel for the market. Farmers on the banks of the Mystic could notdig potatoes from their fields and transport them down the river onthe ebbing tide to the town dock. The people of Charlestown could notgather cabbages from their gardens, take them across the ferry, andpeddle them in Boston. Only by the road leading to Roxbury could thesuffering people be supplied with food. Besides closing the port,Parliament had abolished the charter of Massachusetts. The people nolonger could elect thirty-six councilors; they were to be appointed bythe king, instead. No more could they lawfully assemble in townmeeting to elect representatives to the legislature. All rights andprivileges were swept away.
[Footnote 50: It is known in history as the Boston Port Bill. It waspassed as a retaliatory measure. No possible advantage could accrue togovernment by its passage and enforcement. It was designed not only toawe the people into submission, but to overturn the government of thepeople and establish kingly prerogative. Parliament could not havecommitted a greater blunder. Instead of humbling the people of Boston,it aroused the sympathies of the entire country, and became a potentinfluence in bringing about the union of the Colonies. Contributionsof food, wheat, corn, rye, peas, beans, flocks of sheep, and herds ofcattle came from all of the Colonies.]
It was near sunset when Robert turned into the highway leading fromRoxbury to Boston. He was surprised to find fortifications--a ditchand embankment and cannon mounted upon it--at the narrowest part ofthe Neck. The sentinels glared at him, but did not offer anyinsult.[51] He knew several regiments of troops had already arrived,and it was reported that others would soon be sent from England toenforce the laws. He drove slowly along the street, past the LibertyTree. A half dozen citizens were sitting on the benches beneath itsmoking their pipes. There were few people but many soldiers in thestreets. He watered the horses at the pump, then drove to the GreenDragon.
[Footnote 51: Several regiments of troops had already arrived inBoston, and fortifications were being constructed on Roxbury Neck,making it a garrisoned town.]
It was a hearty welcome which he received in the Brandon home.
"You find us under the harrow," said Mr. Brandon. "The king andministry are determined to crush the life out of us. All business hasstopped. Grass is growing in the streets. Ship-carpenters, joiners,blacksmiths, ropemakers, are idle; no one has any work for them.Thousands have already left town, and others are going. Nobody canearn a penny, and we are all growing poorer. We should starve in ashort time were it not for the kindness and benevolence of the people.We are receiving contributions of food from everywhere. Doctor Warren,John Hancock, and a large number of our public-spirited citizens aredistributing the gifts."
Tom said he was aiding the committee, looking after the poor. Not onlywere kind-hearted people sending grain, but flocks and herds.
"Only yesterday," he said, "Colonel Israel Putnam, who served in theFrench and Indian war, arrived with a flock of sheep from Connecticut.Day before yesterday a sloop dropped anchor in Salem harbor, loadedwith corn contributed by the people of North Carolina. It will beteamed into Boston. The Marblehead fishermen have just sent betweentwo and three hundred quintals of codfish. The committee has receiveda letter from Mr. Gadsden of South Carolina, expressing the hope thatwe never will pay a cent for the blasted tea. As evidence that SouthCarolina is with us, he sent one hundred casks of rice, contributed byhis fellow-citizens, shipping it to Providence, to be hauled the restof the way by teams. The people of Baltimore loaded a vessel withthree thousand bushels of corn, twenty barrels of rye flour, and asmany of shipbread. Herds of cattle and flocks of sheep are driven inevery day. The town of Lebanon, Connecticut, sent three hundred andseventy sheep; Norwich, two hundred and ninety; Groton, one hundredsheep and twenty-six fat cattle. Two schooners have arrived at Salem,bringing three thousand bushels of corn from Maryland. Another vesselbrought one thousand bushels from Virginia."
"These contributions," said Mr. Brandon, "show that the people of theColonies, or at least a large portion of them, sympathize with us inour resistance to tyranny."
"You have not told me about Rachel; is she well?" Berinthia asked.
Robert informed her she was quite well, and hard at work as usual.
"I suppose she is spinning for herself, these days?" said Berinthia,smiling.
"Yes, I dare say; she has been making sheets and pillow-cases sinceRoger Stanley was in Rumford."
"She has written me about him, and thinks there is nobody else in theworld so good as he. I'm glad they are engaged. She is just the onefor him and he for her."
There was one person whom Robert wished to know about, who had been inhis thoughts through every step of his journey. How should he askabout Miss Newville without revealing his interest in her? Howascertain if she were well: if her heart was still her own?
"I suppose the arbitrary acts of Parliament may have brought aboutestrangements between old-time friends," he said.
"Yes, former friendships are being broken. Many of my oldacquaintances do not speak to me."
"Is it so bad as that?"
"Yes, families are being divided. Fathers and mothers taking sideswith the king, sons and daughters standing resolutely for the rightsof the people. You remember that sweet girl, Lucy Flucker, whom youmet at Miss Newville's garden party?"
"Yes, a lovely lady."
"Her father is secretary of the Colony, and of course sides with theking, but she is soon to be married to the bookseller, Mr. Knox,greatly against the wishes of the family; not because he is not worthyof her, but because he opposes the king and his ministers," saidBerinthia.
"Are you and Miss Newville still friends?"
"Yes, just as good friends as ever. Her father, of course, is a Tory,and her mother is a red-hot one, but Ruth keeps her own counsel. Youcan have no idea what a noble girl she is, gracious to everybody, buttrue to herself. She had an offer of marriage from Lord Upperton, alittle while ago, and refused him, to the astonishment of all herfriends, and especially her mother. Just why she rejected his suit noone knows. Intimate as we are, she never has let me into the secret."
"From what little I have seen of Miss Newville, she seems to be a ladyof sterling character," Robert replied.
"She has many admirers, especially among his majesty's officers. Shereceives them with charming courtesy, listens to their flatteringwords, but is very chary of her favors. I do not wonder that half adozen colonels, majors, and captains are dead in love with her. I hopeyou will see her while here. She often inquires about you and Rachel,and wishes she could have another ride in a pung. I'll tell you whatI'll do,--invite her to take supper with us, and then you'll see whata glorious girl she is."
"I can believe all you say of her."
Once more, the following morning, Robert had the pleasure of shakinghands with Doctor Warren and Samuel Adams, and receiving the thanks ofthe committee of supply for the contribution from Rumford.
Mr. Adams said the Colonies must prepare to enter upon a struggle tomaintain their liberties. Governor Gage was carrying things with ahigh hand. A few nights before, a body of troops had seized the powderin the magazines out towards Medford, and taken it to the Castle.[52]General Gage was seizing muskets. He had purchased cannon and cohornmortars, and chain-shot of Mr. Scott, and had paid him five hundredpounds for them. He hoped the people of Rumford would put themselvesin a condition to be ready at a minute's warning to resist anyaggressions on the part of the troops. It was evident that the kingwas determ
ined to carry out his plans by force of arms.
[Footnote 52: The powder belonging to the Province was stored in amagazine on Quarry Hill, in Charlestown. During the month of August,1774, several of the towns removed their proportion of the ammunition.At half past four o'clock, on the morning of September 1,Lieutenant-Colonel Madison, with 260 men, embarked in thirteen largeboats at Long Wharf, rowed up Mystic River, and landed at Mr. Temple'sfarm, seized 250 half barrels of powder and landed it in the Castle,also two cannon from the gun-houses in Cambridge. The news spread, andbefore evening nearly 5,000 people had assembled in Cambridge withtheir muskets. They compelled Mr. Danforth, member of the governor'scouncil, to resign. The high-sheriff promised to serve no warrantunder the new act of parliament. Lieutenant-Governor Oliver hastenedto Boston, and informed General Gage that if he were to send a body oftroops into the country the people would rise in their anger. Upon hisreturn to Cambridge the people surrounded his house and compelled himto resign his commission. General Gage wrote to London that he musthave more troops to enable him to strike a decisive blow. He expectedthe people would march into Boston. In order to prevent surprise, theguards were doubled, and the troops ordered to lay on their armsthrough the night.]
Having delivered the donation to the committee, Robert strolledthrough the town, finding many houses, shops, and stores tenantless.There was a strange silence,--no hurrying of feet, no rumbling ofteams, no piles of merchandise. The stores were closed, the shuttersfastened. Grass was growing in the streets and tufts of oats werespringing up where the horses, a few weeks before, had munched theirprovender. Here and there he met men and boys, wandering listlessly,with sadness in their faces, but yet behind the sorrow there was adetermination to endure to the bitter end.
Robert visited his old acquaintance, Henry Knox, no longer in thebookstore at the corner of King Street, opposite the Town House, butin a store of his own on Cornhill. He passed a tailor's shop and aharness-maker's before he came to Mr. Knox's bookstore, where he washeartily welcomed.
"I remember the book which you purchased the first time we met; I hopeyou liked it."
"It is very entertaining, and has been read by nearly everybody inRumford, and is pretty much worn out," Robert replied.
While talking with Mr. Knox, he saw a white-haired gentleman pass thestore. The next moment he heard a bell jingling in the shop of theharness-maker, then in the shoemaker's, and lastly in the tailor's.Mr. Knox laughed as the gentleman quickened his pace.
"Possibly, Mr. Walden, you do not understand the ringing of the bellsin succession. The gentleman is one of the Tory councilors recentlyappointed by Governor Gage. He has accepted the appointment and thecitizens are worrying the life out of him. Each shopman has a bellwhich he jingles the moment he spies a councilor, giving notice to theother shopmen." Mr. Knox looked up at the clock. "It is about time forthe council to assemble in the Town House; quite likely you will hearthe bells tinkle again. More than half of those appointed by GeneralGage have already resigned, and I do not doubt others will ere longthrow up their commissions. Not much honor is to be gained by holdingan office against public opinion."
"It is not a pleasing sight--the presence of so many troops," Robertremarked.
"Nominally, we are under civil law; but in reality our civil rightsare gone, and we are under military government," Mr. Knox replied.
Two officers entered the store and were courteously received by thebookseller, who showed them the latest books received from London. Heinformed Robert, in a whisper, that they were Major John Small andEnsign De Berniere. Another gentleman entered, a citizen, whose coatwas covered with dust, as if he had been long on the road. He washeartily welcomed by Mr. Knox, who introduced him to Robert as ColonelIsrael Putnam of Connecticut.
"I think I have heard my father speak of you; he was a lieutenantunder Captain Stark at Ticonderoga. Perhaps you remember him," Robertsaid.
"Indeed I do remember Joshua Walden, and a braver man never wore auniform in the Rifle Rangers than he."
The major of the king's troops laid down his book and approached withoutstretched hand.
"Well, I declare! If here isn't my old friend Putnam," he said.
There was mutual hand-shaking between Major Small and Colonel Putnam,who had fought side by side under the walls of Ticonderoga and at FortEdward.
"And so you are here to enforce the Regulation Act," said Putnam.
"It is because you are rebellious," Small replied.
"You are attempting to subvert our liberties by enforcing unrighteouslaws. The Colonies exhibited their loyalty to the king when we stoodside by side to drive out the French. We taxed ourselves to theutmost. England has repaid but a very small proportion of the cost. Wewere loyal then, and we are loyal now; but we never will submit totyranny," continued Putnam.
"The people of this town threw the tea into the dock, and now theymust pay for it. Those that dance must settle with the fiddler," Smallreplied.
"Not one penny will we ever pay. Parliament and the king have closedthe port, bringing distress upon the community; but it has awakenedthe sympathies of the country from Passamaquoddy to Savannah. Now,Small, you are an old soldier, and so am I; we have smelled gunpowder,and can afford to talk plainly. You are here, five thousand or more,with several thousand additional troops just ready to sail fromEngland. You have come to overawe us by force of arms. You havechanged the charter of this Province; if this, why not all the others?Why do you do it? I say you, for you represent the king; you do itbecause you are determined to make the Colonies subservient to thecrown. You cannot bear to have us manufacture anything this side ofthe sea, and are determined to make us your milch cow. Let me tell youthat you won't succeed. You do not know the spirit of the people. Letone drop of blood be shed by the troops, and a mighty host of armedmen will close around you. I know you can fight, and so can we; if youdon't think so, try it."
"Ha, ha! Put, you are the same old flint, ever ready to strike fire.We won't quarrel now. Come, let us step down to the Bunch of Grapes,have a glass of wine, and talk over old times."
Arm in arm they walked down King Street to the tavern.
Early the following afternoon Miss Newville was welcomed to theBrandon home.
"It is a long time since we have met," she said, reaching out her handto Robert. "I am pleased to see you once more. I hope you are well.And how is Rachel?"
Many times he had thought of her as he last beheld her, standingbeneath the portico of her home in the radiant light of the moon. Herparting words had been an abiding memory--"Good-by, till we meetagain." Once more her hand was resting in his. She was no longer agirl, but entering upon womanhood. He told the reason of his beingthere, to bring the gift of Rumford to the suffering poor. She hadmany questions to ask about Rachel. Was she still making cheese? Hadshe many flowers?
"I suppose Rachel's brother prepares the flowerbeds as in formeryears," she said, laughing.
"Yes, I spaded them for her."
"Berinthia informs me that she has found her true love."
"So it appears."
"I doubt not she is very happy."
"She seems to be; she is singing from morning till night."
"I am so glad. I only saw Mr. Stanley at the time of the launching ofthe ship, you remember, but thought him worthy of any woman's love. Doyou still have delightful times at quiltings and huskings?"
"In the country, customs rarely change. The young ladies still havetheir quilting parties. Rachel will soon be getting her fixings, andwe doubtless shall have jolly times."
"I should like to be able to help her. With so many things to carefor, I do not suppose she finds much time for reading?"
"Very little. Besides, we do not have many books to read. 'The NewHampshire Gazette' comes once a week, giving us a little glimpse ofwhat is going on in the world."
"I forgot you have no bookstore with all the new volumes printed inLondon,--history, travel, poetry, and novels, as we have here."
She said that Mr. Knox, th
e bookseller, had been very kind to her,supplying her with the new books arriving from London, and had justhanded her the poems of Oliver Goldsmith.
The afternoon waned.
"Shall we go up on the housetop and see the sun set?" Berinthia asked.
The harbor, the fleet of warships at anchor, the distant ocean, thedistant woodlands, made a beautiful panorama.
"When I see such beauty," said Miss Newville, "I want to be an artistor a poet to give expression to my feelings. See the purple and goldon the Milton Hills, the light on the water, the russet and crimson ofthe forests! How beautiful!" she cried, with a rich bloom upon hercheek as she gazed upon the landscape. The tap of a drum and thetramping of a regiment along the street attracted her attention. "I amweary of seeing scarlet uniforms," she said.
"Will you not make an exception of those who call upon Miss Newville?"Berinthia asked.
"No. I do not even care to see General Gage or Earl Percy in theirgold-laced coats. They are delightful gentlemen, and frequent visitorsin our home. I find much pleasure in listening to Earl Percy'sdescription of things in London; but I should be better pleased werehe to visit us as a citizen, laying aside his military trappings, theemblems of arbitrary power."
LORD PERCY]
The sun was sinking behind the western hills. As the last beamsfaded from the gilded vane of Christ Church, they heard the beating ofdrums and the shrill piping of boatswain's whistles on the decks ofthe warships. A cannon flashed on the bastion of the Castle, and theboom of the gun rolled far away as the Cross of St. George descendedfrom flagstaff and topmast to be furled for the night.
"It is the sunset gun; the signal for taking down the flags," saidBerinthia.
"I often watch from my chamber window for the flashing of the cannon,"Miss Newville remarked.
"It is a beautiful sight; but would be more exhilarating if the flagwas what it ought to be," said Robert.
The twilight had not faded from the sky when Robert accompanied MissNewville to her home. Officers of the king's regiments lifted theirhats to her upon the way; their attentions were recognized withdignified grace. Robert saw scowls on their faces as they glared athim, as if to challenge his right to be her escort.
"The night is hot and the air sultry, and if you please, Mr. Walden,we will sit in the garden rather than in the house," she said.
They strolled beneath the trees bending with the weight of ripeningfruit, and seated themselves in a rustic arbor. The early grapes werepurpling above them.
"I do not know, Mr. Walden, that I quite comprehended your meaningwhen you said the flag would be more beautiful if it were what itought to be. I think it very beautiful as it is."
"I did not have reference, Miss Newville, to the texture or quality ofthe cloth, or the arrangement of colors, neither to the devices,--thecrosses of St. George and St. Andrew,--but thought of it as a symbolof power. My father fought under it, and it has waved in triumph onmany battlefields; but just now it is being used to deprive us of ourrights."
"Have you ever read the legend of St. George?" she asked.
"I have not, and I hardly know what the Cross of St. George standsfor."
"It is a beautiful story. I read it not long ago in a book which Ifound in Mr. Knox's store. Would you like to hear it?"
"Please tell me about it."
"The story runs that ever so many years ago there was a terribledragon--a monster, part snake, part crocodile, with sharp teeth, aforked tongue, claws, and wings. It could crawl upon the land or swimin the water. Every day it came from its lair and ate the sheep in thepastures around the old city of Berytus. When the sheep were gone itate little children. The king of the city could think of nothingbetter than to issue an edict requiring the selection of two childrenunder fifteen years old by lot, to be given to the dragon. One day thelot fell upon the king's daughter, the Princess Cleodolinda, abeautiful girl, and as good as she was beautiful. It was a terribleblow to the king. He offered all his gold, precious stones, glitteringdiamonds, and emeralds, and half his kingdom, if the people wouldconsent to her exemption, which they wouldn't do. He had made theedict; they had given their children; he must give his daughter. Beingking, he thought he could take somebody else's daughter. That made thepeople angry, and they threatened to kill him. Then the princessshowed how good and noble and true she was. She said she would dierather than there should be any trouble. It was a sad morning when shebade her father and mother and all her friends good-by, and went outfrom the city, all the people weeping to see her in her youth andbeauty, so calm, peaceful, and resigned, walking in the green field,waiting for the dragon. They saw the monster crawl towards her. Justthen they beheld a young man with a shining shield and waving plume,on horseback, with sword and lance, approaching. It was George ofCappadocia, a brave Christian youth. 'Fly! fly!' shouted the princess.'Why should I fly?' he asked. 'Do you not see the dragon? He will eatyou as he will me.' 'I am not afraid of him, and I will deliver you,'said he, rushing upon the dragon with his lance. It was a terriblefight. The monster hissing, running out his tongue, snapping his jaws,striking with his tail and sharp claws; but the brave George kept upthe fight, striking his lance through the thick hide and shiny scales,and pinning the writhing creature to the earth. 'It is not by my ownmight, but God, through Jesus Christ, who has given me the power tosubdue this Apollyon,' he said. At that, the whole city accepted theChristian religion. In recognition of the victory he put the sign ofthe letter X, representing the cross, upon his flag. The king was sopleased that, besides becoming a Christian, he offered George all hisgold and silver and diamonds and precious stones; but the prince wouldnot keep them; he gave them to the poor."
"It is indeed a beautiful story," said Robert, charmed by thenarration.
"I suppose the legend represents the conflict between wickedness andrighteousness," added Miss Newville.
"Did George become the son-in-law of the king?" Robert asked.
Miss Newville laughed heartily.
"If it were a story in a novel," she said, "of course that would bethe outcome of the romance. No; he went on his travels convertingpeople to Christianity. The Greek Christians kept him in remembranceby adopting the letter X as the sign of the cross. When Richard theLion-Hearted started on his crusade to rescue the holy sepulchre fromthe Moslems, he selected St. George as his protector. He is the patronsaint of England. He stands for courage in defense of the truth."
"That is what the Cross of St. George should stand for, Miss Newville,but just now it represents tyranny and oppression. It is a beautifulflag, the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew combined, in red,white, and blue. No other banner symbolizes so much that is preciousof what men have done, but the king and his ministers are pervertingit. St. George and St. Andrew were representatives of justice andrighteousness. They died for principles which in their nature areeternal, which will remain, when we are gone. I have taken pride inbeing an Englishman. The flag thrills me. I like to think of thebrave deeds that have been done under it. No other banner means somuch. It stirs me to think of it as waving not only in England, buthere, in Canada, in South America, and on the banks of the Ganges. Ofcourse, the flag, the crosses upon it, signify suffering, devotion,heroism, bravery. It is these things that warm my blood."
"Go on, please, Mr. Walden. I want to hear more," said Miss Newvilleas he paused.
"I have delighted in being an Englishman because the flag stands forall I hold most dear, but I am conscious that my love for it is notwhat it was. The king and his ministers by their arbitrary acts,Parliament by passing laws taking away chartered rights, arealienating the affections of the Colonies. We are not so meek that weare ready to kiss the hand that smites us. The time may come, MissNewville, when the people this side the Atlantic will have a flag oftheir own. If we do it will be a symbol of a larger liberty than wenow have. The world does not stand still. I do not know what AlmightyGod has been reserving this Western world for through all the ages;but it must be for some grand purpose. It is a great land and it
willbe peopled some day. We have made our laws in the past, and we shallnot surrender our right to do so. The king and his ministers are notusing the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew for the good of all.The crosses should represent brotherhood, but they do not. I think thetime may come, though, when there will be such a flag."
Again he paused, and again Miss Newville begged him to go on.
"I cannot tell when it will be, but I know what I would like to see."
"Please tell me," she said earnestly.
"I would like to see the time when men will recognize their fellow-menas brothers, and when the flag will stand for equality, unity,liberty, and brotherhood."
"Do you think such a time will ever come?"
"I do not doubt it. The prophets in the Bible have predicted it, andit seems to me that the human race is advancing in that direction.Have you not noticed that almost everything we prize has come throughsacrifice and suffering? I came here with food because the people ofthis town are suffering. The bags of corn which I have brought are anexpression of brotherhood, of unity, love, and good will. The peopleall the way from the Penobscot to the Savannah are acting from suchmotives. It is curious that Parliament by passing a wicked law isuniting the Colonies as nothing else could have done. What the kingdesigned for a punishment, in the end may be a great blessing."
"I see it, and I want to thank you, Mr. Walden, for your words. Youhave made clear what hitherto I have not been able to understand. Ofcourse, you must be aware that I hear many conversations upon affairsin the Colonies. General Gage and Earl Percy are frequent guests inour home, as are many gentlemen who sympathize with the king and theministry rather than with Mr. Adams and Doctor Warren. I do not seehow the king, who they say is kind-hearted, could assent to a lawwhich would bring suffering and starvation to so many people."
She sat in silence a moment, and then went on.
"I like to hear you, Mr. Walden, speak of that good time that is tocome. I should like to do something to hasten it. I feel that I amstronger for what you have said. Shall we take a stroll through thegrounds?"
Through the day he had been looking forward to a possible hour when hecould be with her alone, to feel the charm of her presence. And nowthat it had come, what should he say, how let her know she had been aninspiration to him; how since their first meeting his last thought atnight and the first of the morning had been of her? Were he to say thethought of her had filled the days with happiness, would she not thinkhim presumptuous? They were widely separated by the circumstances oflife,--he of the country, a farmer, swinging the scythe, holding theplow, driving oxen, feeding pigs; she, on the contrary, was a star incultured society, entertaining high-born ladies and gentlemen, lords,earls, and governors; chance, only, had made them acquainted. She hadbeen very kind. No, he must not presume upon her graciousness and tellher that his heart had gone out to her in a wonderful way. Many menhad proffered their love, but had been rejected. It was blessednessunspeakable to be permitted to walk by her side, to hear her voice, toenjoy her esteem, friendship, and confidence.
The song-birds of summer had gone, but the crickets were merrilychirping around them; flowers were fading, but fruits were ripening.Slowly they walked the winding paths, stopping at times to gaze uponthe clouds, silver-lined, in the bright light of the full-orbed moon.
"I shall not soon forget this quiet evening with you, Mr. Walden, northe words you have spoken. I have thought it was my foreboding, butnow I can see that there may be trying times before us,--times whichwill test friendships."
"I trust, Miss Newville, that I may ever be worthy to be numberedamong your friends."
"I know you will." After a moment's hesitation she added, "The timemay come when I shall need your friendship."
Her voice was tremulous. The nine o'clock bell was ringing. They wereby the gate leading to the street.
"You go home to-morrow. Will it be long before we shall see you again?I may want such strength as you can give," she said.
"I trust that in God's good time we may meet again. How soon I may behere or what may bring me I do not foresee; but be assured, MissNewville, I shall ever be your friend."
"I do not doubt it. Good-by," she said.
She heard his retreating footsteps growing fainter.
"Oh, if he had only said, 'I love you,'" the whisper on her lips.
"I could die for her; no, I'll live for her," he said to himself, ashe walked towards the Brandon home.