Mr. Dinsmore, too, had recovered his
usual strength, for the first time since his attack of fever.
There was no lack of good society at their command; good both socially and
intellectually. American, English, Italian, French, etc.; many former
friends and acquaintances and others desiring to be introduced by these;
but none of our party felt disposed at that time to mix much with the
outside world.
Elsie's deep mourning was for her sufficient excuse for declining all
invitations; while Rose could plead her still precarious state of health.
She wore no outward badge of mourning for Mrs. Travilla, but felt deep and
sincere grief at her loss; for the two had been intimate and dear friends
for many years, the wide disparity in age making their intercourse and
affection much like that of mother and daughter.
The condition of political affairs in their own country was another thing
that caused our friends to feel more exclusive and somewhat reluctant to
mingle with those of other nationalities. Every mail brought them letters
and papers from both North and South, and from their distant standpoint
they watched with deep interest and anxiety the course of events fraught
with such momentous consequences to their native land.
Neither Mr.
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