There was no reason why you should not sacrifice me for the sake of the cause." "Are you sorry I did not ?" "No, far from it, and--and, Billie, it is not the first time; does it mean--" "It means nothing," she broke in, "except a strange combination of circumstances.

I did think of all this; it came to me in a flash.

I realized that it was undoubtedly my duty, and--and, perhaps I should have found courage to attempt the task.

I went to my room tempted, my purpose swayed by the call of the South, and--and my friendship for you.
I had to be disloyal somewhere, and--and it was so hard to choose.

I am glad you do not blame me, but I believe I should have gone, just as you thought I did, except for what happened." A shell exploded near the corner of the house, shaking the whole structure, the fragments tearing into the wood.