“It does, Dora. But please God when this rebellion is put down we shall have such peace as the country has never enjoyed. Let us hope for the best, dear.”
“When do I start, father?” broke in Jeanne.
“I think to-morrow night. The sooner the better. I will see about your transportation in the morning, and try to arrange to send you straight through. Now, little girl, you must say good-night because we must be up bright and early. There is a great deal to be done to-morrow.”
“Good-night,” said Jeanne obediently, and kissing each tenderly she retired to her room.
CHAPTER III
STARTING FOR DIXIE
The next day passed all too quickly for the parents, but not for Jeanne. She went about her preparations with an uplifted mien and a solemnity of manner that at another time would have been amusing, but which under the circumstances went to her mother’s heart.
“In this petticoat, dear, I have quilted the documents,” said Mrs. Vance as she dressed her for her departure. “It may be a little heavy, but you need not wear so many skirts as you otherwise would, and perhaps it will not be too warm. See how nicely it holds out your dress. It almost answers the purpose of a pair of hoops.”
“Am I not to wear my hoops, mother?”
“No, child. They are sometimes in the way, and as you have not yet learned to manage them well, it would be best not. Your frock hangs out in quite the approved style as it is.”