He is the soldier citizen: he could face the flame of battle for his country: he can also earn his own living. He could leave his office-chair to march and fight for three years; and he can return to peaceful industry, as enn.o.bling as his fighting.
It is in millions of such men that the strength of the Republic consists.
As for his domestic history, I think that we need have no terrors either for his happiness or that of Mrs. Colburne.
"I don"t see but that you get along very well together," said the Doctor, addressing the young couple, a week or so after the marriage. "I really don"t see why I can"t hereafter devote myself exclusively to my Brownites and Robinsonites."
"Papa," answered Lillie, "I never felt so near saying that I could spare you."
Colburne listened, happily smiling, conscious of a loved and loving wife, of a growing balance in bank, of surroundings which he would not have exchanged for a field of victory.
THE END.