He paused, and eyed her a moment.
"No, father; I am not surprised that you have determined to do your duty."
"How, Irene? What do you suppose that it is?"
"To use Nelson's words, the Confederacy 'expects that every man will do his duty'; and you are going into the army."
"Who told you that?"
"My own heart, father; which tells me what I should do were I in your place."
"Well, I have written to Montgomery, to Clapham, to tender my services. We were at West Point together; I served under him at Contreras and Chapultepec, and he will no doubt press matters through promptly. The fact is, I could not possibly stay at home now. My blood has been at boiling heat since yesterday morning, when I read Beauregard's first dispatch."
"Did you specify any branch of the service?"
"Yes; told him I preferred artillery. What is the matter? Your lips are as white as cotton. By the way what shall I do with you? It won't do to leave you here all alone."
"Why not, father? Home is certainly the proper place for me, if you cannot take me with you."