Dick was a good-looking fellow, and I liked him much better than I had once said I did. He was the dandy of the family, and on the present occasion was glorious in a new uniform.
“Dick,” I said, “please don’t get in a fight and get shot.”
“Not if I can help it, Nell! There won’t be any fighting. We’re going to protect Norfolk, you know. Just going there to be on the spot if we’re needed, I suppose.”
He went away laughing, but I wasn’t convinced. When Dan came, I was almost too weak with fear to ask the question that was on my tongue.
“Is Norfolk to be bombarded?”
“No, I think not,” he spoke cheerily. “The boys will be back in a few days.”
Oh, I hoped they would! Many of my friends were among “the boys.”
“Do—do you think your company will have to go?”
I was only seventeen; mother and Milicent were away; my young husband was my life.
“The cavalry have not been ordered out,” he said. “I don’t think we will be sent for. Cheer up, Nell! The boys will be back in a few days, and won’t we have a high old time welcoming them home!”