We were married in the morning , and at noon I had to go . Other women wept as we marched through the city , but my brave Margaret kept her tears till we were gone , smiling and waving her hand to me , -- the hand that wore the wedding-ring , -- till I was out of sight . That image of her is before me day and night , and day and night her last words are ringing in my ears , -- '' ' I give you freely , do your best . Better a true man 's widow than a traitor 's wife . ' `` Boys , I 've only stood on the right side for a month ; I 've only fought one battle , earned one honor ; but I believe these poor achievements are an earnest of the long atonement I desire to make for five-and-twenty years of blind transgression . You say I fight well . Have I not cause to dare much ? -- for in owning many slaves , I too became a slave ; in helping to make many freemen , I liberate myself . You wonder why I refused promotion . Have I any right to it yet ? Are there not men who never sinned as I have done , and beside whose sacrifices mine look pitifully small ? You tell me I have no ambition . I have the highest , for I desire to become God 's noblest work , -- an honest man , -- living , to make Margaret happy in a love that every hour grows worthier of her own , -- dying to make death proud to take me . '' Phil had risen while he spoke , as if the enthusiasm of his mood lifted him into the truer manhood he aspired to attain . Straight and strong he stood up in the moonlight , his voice deepened by unwonted energy , his eye clear and steadfast , his whole face ennobled by the regenerating power of this late loyalty to country , wife , and self , and bright against the dark blue of his jacket shone the pictured face , the only medal he was proud to wear . Ah , brave , brief moment , cancelling years of wrong ! Ah , fair and fatal decoration , serving as a mark for a hidden foe ! The sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness of the night , and with those hopeful words upon his lips , the young man sealed his purpose with his life . THE BARON 'S GLOVES ; OR , AMY 'S ROMANCE `` All is fair in love and war . '' I HOW THEY WERE FOUND `` What a long sigh !
XXXXX you tired , Amy ? ''
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