`` Thunder ! what a harnsome woman ! '' exclaimed Flint , as Phil , opening the golden case that held his talisman , showed them the beautiful , beloved face of which he spoke . `` Yes ! and a right noble woman too . I do n't deserve her , but I will . We parted on our wedding-day , for orders to be off came suddenly , and she would not let me go until I had given her my name to keep . 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 . ''
XXXXX had risen while he spoke , as if the enthusiasm of his mood lifted him into the truer manhood he aspired to attain .
Flint Margaret Phil day freemen hour month right talisman years