Her eldest son, Ned, and Enna's second husband, were
killed in the battle of Bentonville, last March. Lora's husband has lost
an arm, one of his brothers a leg; the others are all killed, and the
family utterly ruined.
"The Carringtons--father and sons--have all fallen, Sophie is here, with
her orphan children; her mother-in-law, with her own daughter, Lucy Ross.
Philip has escaped unhurt. They will all be here next week to attend May's
wedding.
"Papa, Louise--you know that she too has lost her husband--and Enna are
all at the Oaks; for Roselands is a ruin, Ion not very much better, Lora
says."
"And the Oaks has escaped?"
"Yes, almost entirely; not being visible from the road. Papa sends a
message to you. He is too heart-broken to write. He knows he is welcome in
your house; he is longing to see you, now his only son----" Adelaide's
voice faltered, and it was a moment ere she could go on--"but he would
have you stay away till September, not risking a return during the hottest
season; and, if you wish, he will attend to the plantation, hiring blacks
to work it."
"My poor, poor old father!" Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed, with emotion. "Welcome
in my house? If I had but a dollar, I would share it with him."
"He shall never want a home, while any of us live!" sprang simultaneously
from the lips of Mr.
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