“Do you live there?” The lady’s interest seemed genuine and kind.
“Yes. I am going to join my husband there.”
Mary saw by the reflection in the lady’s face that a sudden gladness must have overspread her own.
“He’ll be mighty glad, I’m sure,” said the pleasant stranger, patting Alice’s cheek, and looking, with a pretty fellow-feeling, first into the child’s face and then into Mary’s.
“Yes, he will,” said Mary, looking down upon the curling locks at her elbow with a mother’s happiness.
“Is he in the army?” asked the lady.
“His health is bad,” she replied.
“I know some nice people down in New Orleans,” said the lady again.
“We haven’t many acquaintances,” rejoined Mary, with a timidity that was almost trepidation. Her eyes dropped, and she began softly to smooth Alice’s collar and hair.