And stay he did, refusing even a chance to go abroad the following
spring, and devoting himself assiduously to his duties, although he
shrank from society. They made him sometimes spend a quiet evening at
Ray's or Blake's, where twice Miss Dade was found. But that young lady
was quick to see that her hostess had been scheming, as loving women
will. And then, when he went hoping to see her, yet half afraid, she
came no more. They could not coax her. The early spring had taken him
forth on long campaign. The ensuing fall had taken her to the far
distant East, for gallant old Dade was breaking down. The doctors sent
him on prolonged sick leave. Then was Fort Frayne indeed a desolate post
to Beverly Field, and when midwinter came, and with it the news that
Dade had but little while to live, he took counsel with Ray, and a
month's leave, not much of which was spent in the South. The old
regiment was represented at the sad and solemn little ceremony when the
devoted husband, father and fellow soldier was laid at rest.
Nor was Field a happier man when he rejoined from leave, and they all
thought they knew why. Letters came, black-bordered, with Esther's
superscription, sometimes, but only for Mrs.
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