"Again and again canned fruits and other niceties, sent by
ladies for the comfort of the sick and wounded men, were appropriated by
officers who did not need them, and knew they were not given to them."
"And the conclusion of the whole matter," said Harold, with his placid,
patient smile, "is that there were on both sides men who, loving and
seeking their own interest above country, personal honor, or anything
else, would bring disgrace upon any cause. No, Mrs. Carrington, I have no
bitter feeling towards the South. My heart aches for her people in their
bereavements, their losses, and all the difficulties of reconstruction and
adapting themselves to the new order of things which is the result of the
war."
Elsie had several times expressed to her husband and father a deep anxiety
to hear from Viamede, and had written to both Mr. Mason and Spriggs,
inquiring about the people and the condition of the estate, yet with but
slight hope of reply, as all communication with the place had been cut off
for years, and it was more than likely that one or both had been driven,
or drifted away from his post during the progress of the war.
She was therefore greatly pleased when, on entering the parlor one morning
on her return from a drive, she found Mr.
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