Socola hurried into Richmond three days after its fall in the desperate hope that he might be of service to Jennie.

He was two days finding her. She had offered her services to Mrs. Hopkins in the Alabama hospital. He sent in his card and she refused to see him. He asked an interview with Mrs. Hopkins and begged her to help. Her motherly heart went out to him in sympathy. His utter misery was so plainly written in his drawn face.

"You\'re so like my own mother, madame," he pleaded. "I\'m an orphan to-day. Our army has conquered, but I have lost. I find myself repeating the old question, what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and forfeit his life? She is my life—I can\'t—I won\'t give her up. Tell her she must see me. I will not leave Richmond until I see her. If she leaves, I\'ll follow her to the ends of the world. Tell her this."

The gentle hand pressed his.

"I\'ll tell her."

"And try to help me?" he begged.

"All the world loves a lover," the fine thin lips slowly repeated—"yes, I\'ll try."

At the end of ten minutes she returned alone. Her face gave no hope.

"I\'m afraid it\'s useless. She positively refuses."

"You gave her my message?"

"Yes."

"I\'ll wait a day and try again—"

"You knew of Captain Welford\'s death, I suppose?"

Socola started and turned pale.

"No—"

"He died and was buried two days ago near the spot where General Stuart sleeps.&quo............