Yet his tone and mien were calm as usual.
"My dear sister," said he, "in times like these a man should first regard duty--the laws and precepts of his God! then the claims of his suffering country; and lastly, the ties of nature and the tenderer feelings of his heart.

Ellen, think how many have torn themselves from weeping wives and clinging children, and cast their warm love far from them.

The call to patriots is imperative.

I have now nothing to detain me here: it is my duty to lend my arm toward supporting our common liberty.

Do not fear for me, Ellen, my dear sister; remember that the strong arm of all-seeing God is ever around us, to guard in time of danger!" He clasped her tenderly to his heart, then placed her in her husband's arms.
"Florence, if not again in Texas, I hope we shall soon meet, in more peaceful hours, in Louisiana; if not, I pray God that you and Stewart may be as happy as I once hoped to be." He pressed her hand warmly, and returning the long, tight clasp of Mr.Stewart, mounted his horse and rode slowly away.
"Mother," said Elliot, "Uncle Frank has not taken the right road toward home." "Hush, Elliot!" she sadly answered, while her tears gushed anew; "he has gone by his Mary's grave." On that hour, spent at the early tomb of the "loved and lost" Mary, we will not intrude: it is rendered sacred by its deep, unutterable anguish.
Nearly a week passed, and Dr.Bryant had hurried on, riding through the long, long nights, and only pausing at times to recruit his jaded steed.