But you shall read the letter for yourself.

Stay to breakfast with us (there's the bell), and I'll give it to you afterwards." "Thanks; but I fear they may wait breakfast for me at the other house." "No; I will send them word at once that we have kept you." There was an effort after cheerfulness as they gathered about the plentiful board; but too many sad thoughts and memories had been called up in the hearts of the elders of the party: and only the children were really gay.
Edward Allison was pale and thin, his health having suffered from the hardships incident to his army life.
Elsie remarked it, in a tone of grief and concern; but he answered with a smile, "I have escaped so much better than many others, that I have more reason for thankfulness than complaint.

I am hearty and robust compared to poor Harold." A look of deep sadness stole over his face as he thus named his younger brother.
Elsie understood it when, an hour later, the elder Mr.Allison entered the parlor, where she and Adelaide were chatting together, with Harold leaning on his arm.
They both shook hands with her, the old gentleman saying, "My dear, I am rejoiced to have you among us again;" Harold silently, but with a sad, wistful, yearning look out of his large bright eyes, that filled hers with tears.
His father and Adelaide helped him to an easy chair, and as he sank back pantingly upon its cushions, Elsie--completely overcome at sight of the feeble, wasted frame, and wan, sunken features--stole quickly from the room.
Adelaide followed, to find her in the sitting-room on the opposite side of the hall, weeping bitterly.
"Oh, Aunt Adie," she sobbed; "he's dying!" "Yes," Adelaide answered, with the tears coursing down her own cheeks, "we all know it now; all but father and mother, who will not give up hope.
Poor May! hers will be but a sad wedding.

She would have put it off, but he begged her not, saying he wanted to be present and to greet Duncan as his brother--Duncan, to whom he owed so much.

But for him, you know, Harold would have perished at Andersonville; where, indeed, he got his death." "No, I have heard very little about it." "Then Harold will tell you the story of their escape.