Owing to the scarcity of coal, the grate had been removed, and massive brass andirons substituted. John piled them with oak wood, swept the hearth, and retired. After a time, the door opened and the mistress came in.
"Irene! you must be nearly frozen. What kept you out so late?"
"I had more than usual to attend to at the Asylum this afternoon."
"What was the matter?"
"We have a new matron, and I was particularly anxious that she should start right in one or two respects. I waited, too, in order to see the children at supper, and satisfy myself about the cooking."
"How many orphans are there in the Asylum?"
"Thirty-four. I admitted two this evening—children of one of our soldiers, who died from a wound received at Leesburg."
"Poor little things! I am afraid you will find numbers of similar instances before this war is at an end."
"We will try to find room for all such cases. The building will accommodate one hundred."
"You must be very cold; I will make John bring you a glass of wine."