The soldier standing next to her was a study in contradiction. Here he was at the same time, a county boy in the heart of the city, an only child who lived in the ranks of men, and despite his ramrod straight back, he was crumbling at the sight of the woman sitting on the chair beside him. He stood sentry at the General's door every day, and every day she came to sit here. Over time she seemed to shrink a little bit, but only just, however today she seemed full of new purpose.

When the doorknob rattled to signal the General's exit from his offices, the woman stood quickly and brushed her skirts. "General, how lovely to see you," she began.

"Dammit, Brennan." The General snarled at the soldier, "I told you to keep her out of the building."

"But sir.." the soldier stammered before he was cut off by the woman.

"Sir," the woman started, "I've come to ask if there has been any word on my brother?"

"You know I don't have anything to tell you. I haven't any new information at all."

"That's a shame," sighed the woman, "I have new information regarding a certain General and certain railroad magnate's wife. I thought we might be able to share, but if that's not possible…" and with this the woman turned to leave.

A string of profanity issued from the General's clenched teeth that served to darken the wallpaper a few shades before he grabbed the woman's arm and hustled her into his offices. Her skirts in a whirl, she found time to flash the soldier a quick wink and hint of a smile before the door crashed shut behind her. The young soldier chuckled to himself and once again took his position at the door.