"Then take a walk with me to the residence of Dr. Humphries," said Harry, "and I will introduce you to my betrothed."
"I thank you," Alfred replied, "but the present state of my wardrobe does not admit of my appearing before ladies."
"Pshaw," observed Harry, "that is the least part of the question. Let me know what you desire and I will get it for you directly."
"I have about seven hundred dollars in Confederate money with me," answered Alfred, "if you will show me some store where I can purchase a decent suit of clothes; that will be all I shall trouble you for."
"Take a walk with me to Lemby's clothing store and you will find a fine outfit there."
Drawing Alfred's arm in his, Harry conducted him to Lemby's clothing store, where a suit of clothing was bought. They then proceeded to the Bowman House and entered Alfred's room.
"My furlough is only for thirty days," Alfred remarked, while engaged in dressing himself, "and how I am to send in a letter to New Orleans and receive an answer before that time expires I cannot conjecture."
"What do you wish to write to New Orleans for," asked Harry.
"Why, to wife," answered Alfred, "I think it is about time that she should hear from me."