“But this one has extended over several States and we do not yet know how many lives have been lost,” his wife replied.
It was almost bedtime, the last north-bound train had arrived and no Eletheer yet; so the family decided that she would not be home before Monday. Hernando and Jack recalled her old habit of surprising people and proposed going to meet the train anyway, but had abandoned the idea and were busy with Reuben at the barn.
However, on receiving the telegram announcing Jack’s arrival and the restoration of Hernando, she as quickly as possible obtained permission to drop out until fall, and both she and Mary Genung—who was taking a post-graduate course in a New England college—were aboard the nine-thirty express. Mr. Genung met the train and a long conversation followed, which accounted for Eletheer’s late arrival home. She had developed into an independent woman, giving promise of mental breadth, though inclined to be opinionated; had entered the training school with rosy-hued visions of reforming the world through kindly ministrations and well-timed advice; but the probationary month quickly disillusioned her. The first principle to learn was absolute, unquestioned obedience to superior officers. Many were the bitter tears shed in secret, but pride sustained her and she struggled on through hard facts, winning the respect of all.
Mr. Genung left her at the gateway and, crunching the snow under her stout boots, she soon sprang up the steps and into the house. Her manner was breezy and her greetings were characteristic. She regarded all demonstration of affection as nonsense, and this was generally understood. After shaking hands, she looked around inquiringly for Jack and Hernando.
“Eat your supper and by the time you have finished, they will be in from the barn,” said her mother, leading the way into the dining-room.
“I ate supper at Middleburg but will ask Margaret to get me some crullers,” and she darted past Mrs. De Vere into the kitchen, shouting, “Hello, Margaret!”
“Law me, Honey, how you do skeer a body!” exclaimed the latter. “I sholy is glad to see yo’,” and she produced the crullers with the ever-ready coffeepot.
“How do you like Dora, Margaret?”
“She’s just lubly. No po’ w’ite trash.”
“And the children? I’m aunty, you know,” with pride.