' Then
he laughs again, but says soothingly, 'Never mind, little wife; don't
distress yourself; the North won't fight; or if they do try it, will soon
give it up,' But I know they won't give up: they wouldn't be Americans if
they did.
"Arthur and Walter Dinsmore were here yesterday, and Arthur is worse than
Harry a great deal; actually told me he wouldn't hesitate to shoot down
any or all of my brothers, if he met them in Federal uniform. Walter is
almost silent on the subject, and has not yet enlisted. Arthur taunted him
with being for the Union, and said if he was quite sure of it he'd shoot
him, or help hang him to the nearest tree.
"Oh, Rose! pray, pray that this dreadful war may be averted!"
Rose felt almost stunned with horror as she read; but her tears fell fast
as she hurriedly perused the contents of the other three, learning from
them that Richard, Harold, and Fred had already enlisted, and Edward
would do the same should the war continue long.
"My heart is torn in two!" she cried, looking piteously up in her
husband's face, with the tears streaming down her own.
"What is it, my darling?" he asked, coming to her and taking her cold
hands in his.
"Oh my country! my country! My brothers, too--and yours! they are pitted
against each other--have enlisted in the opposing armies.
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