52/61 But that is enough croaking from an old woman and I'm ashamed of myself. Did you ever see a happier crowd than the one gathered here ?" "Not since I was in my father's house when the relatives would come to help us celebrate Christmas." "When did you hear from your father ?" asked Mrs.Howard, whose warm sympathies had caused Harry to tell her of his life and of his people whom he had left behind in Kentucky. He was in the fort, but he escaped with Forrest's cavalry, and he went into Mississippi to join the army under Albert Sidney Johnston. He sent a letter for me to my home, Pendleton, under cover to my old teacher, Dr.Russell, who forwarded it to me. It came only this morning." "How does he talk ?" "Hopefully, though he made no direct statement. |