"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.Mason there waiting for an interview.
"You are not direct from Viamede!" she asked, when they had exchanged a cordial greeting.
"No, Mrs.Travilla," he answered; "I stayed as long as I could, but not being willing to go into the army, was finally compelled to leave.

That was more than two years ago.

But I received a letter from Spriggs only yesterday, written from the estate.