'Best I ever had,' was my humble acknowledgement.
'Seldom ever see a girl kissed so powerful,' he said as he took Hope's hand in his. 'Now if the Bible said when a body kissed ye on one cheek ye mus' turn if other I wouldn't find no fault. But ther's a heap o differ'nce 'tween a whack an' a smack.
When we had come back from dinner Uncle Eb drew off his boots and sat comfortably in his stocking feet while Hope told of her travels and I of my soldiering. She had been at the Conservatory, nearly the whole period of her absence, and hastened home when she learned of the battle and of my wound. She had landed two days before.
Hope's friend and Uncle Eb went away to their rooms in good season. Then I came and sat beside Hope on the sofa.
'Let's have a good talk,' I said.
There was an awkward bit of silence.
'Well,' said she, her fan upon her lips, 'tell me more about the war.
'Tired of war,' I answered; 'love is a better subject.
She rose and walked up and down the room, a troubled look in her face. I thought I had never seen a woman who could carry her head so proudly.
'I don't think you are very familiar with it,' said she presently.