"
Tears rushed to her eyes as she faltered, "I would be
transparently false should I affect not to know. What I wish you
to feel through the coming months and years is that I cannot--that
I am disabled by my wound."
"I understand, Helen. We can go on as we have begun. You have
lost, as I have not, for I have never possessed. You will be the
greater sufferer; and it will be my dear privilege to cheer and
sustain you in such ways as are possible to a simple friend."
She regarded him gratefully, and for the first time since that
terrible May morning the semblance of a smile briefly illumined
her face.
CHAPTER IV
MARTINE SEEKS AN ANTIDOTE
It can readily be understood that Martine in his expedition to the
South had not limited his efforts solely to his search for Captain
Nichol. Wherever it had been within his power he had learned all
that he could of other officers and men who had come from his
native region; and his letters to their relatives had been in some
instances sources of unspeakable comfort. In his visit to the
front he had also seen and conversed with his fellow-townsmen,
some of whom had since perished or had been wounded.
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