The latter waved him away. "I wish to know none of you," he said. "I shall serve out this term, and never again speak to an American abroad." He was firm, and achieved his purpose. Enthusiasm often answers for brains, and Freckle's religious zeal made him a changed man. He entered a Jesuits'[Pg 90] school after his discharge, and in another fashion became as stern, severe, and self-denying as had been his father. He sometimes saw his old comrade, Simp, driving down the Champs Elysées as Freckle came from church in Paris, but the gallant did not recognize the young priest in his dark gown and hose, and wide-rimmed hat. [Pg 90] They followed their several directions, and in the end, with the lessening fortunes of the Confederacy, grew more moody, and yet more ruined by the consciousness that after once suffering the agony of expatriation, they had not improved the added chance to make of themselves men, not Colonists. It is not the pleasantest phase of our human nature to depict, but since we have essayed it, let it close with its own surrounding shadow. If we have given no light touch of womanhood to relieve its sombre career, we have failed to be artistic in order to be true. But that which made the Colonists weak has passed away. There are no longer slaves at home—may there be no exiles abroad![Pg 91] [Pg 91] [Pg 93] [Pg 93] [Pg 92] [Pg 92] LITTLE GRISETTE. My passion for you was long ago, Before my head was heavy with snow,
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