“So many of the boys here at the hospital are southern boys,” Nancy explained. “And I knew the negroes would love it.”
“But where did you get the flag?” persisted Miss Hauser.
“I brought it over with me,” Nancy confessed. “You see it’s the same little flag that my great-grandfather Dale carried all through the Civil War. Dad gave it to me just before I left. He said it had brought Grand-dad through his campaigns safely, and he thought it might bring me good luck.”
“I suppose there’s still a lot of sentiment in the south about that old flag,” said Miss Hauser.
“Yes, there is. It would be hard for anyone else to understand how we feel about the lost cause. Not that we would change things as they are now. But we have a lot of respect and love for those old fellows who fought and suffered so much for what they thought was right. There were some marvelous military leaders among them, you know.”
“Indeed there were,” agreed Lieutenant Hauser. “Our men study the military tactics of Lee, Jackson and the others.”
“I didn’t know that,” said Nancy, “but I’m glad to hear it.”
When they were about to separate, Miss Hauser said, “Oh, I almost forgot—Major Reed has asked to see you when your work is finished.”
Nancy lifted her eyebrows slightly, wondering what was brewing. “Thanks,” she said. “I’ll go now.”
She found Major Reed in his office. He had already discarded his coat and tie and was drinking a coke.