"Of course we can't believe it possible that a son of ours will ever show himself a coward; but it is very trying to us, very mortifying, to have you holding back in this way till all our neighbors and friends begin to hint that you are disloyal to your native State, and look scornful and contemptuous at the very mention of your name." Walter took a turn or two across the room, and coming back to her side, "Mother," said he, "you know it is my nature to be slow in deciding any matter of importance, and this is the weightiest one that ever I had to consider.

Men much older and wiser than I are finding it a knotty question to which their loyalty is due, State or General Government; where allegiance to the one ends, and fealty to the other begins." "There is no question in my mind," she interrupted, angrily.

"Of course your allegiance is due to your State; so don't let me hear any more about that.

Your father and brother never hesitated for a moment; and it would become you to be more ready to be guided by them." "Mother," he said, with a pained look, "you forget that I am no longer a boy; and you would be the first to despise a man who could not form an opinion of his own.

All I ask is time to decide this question and--another." "Pray what may that be?
whether you will break with Miss Aller, I presume," she retorted, sneeringly.
"No, mother," he answered with dignity; "there is no question in my mind in regard to that.