The time now came when I must draw rations for my family. I could not do this by proxy. I was required to present my request in person.
As I walked through the streets in early morning, I thought I had never known a lovelier day. How could Nature spread her canopy of blossoming magnolia and locust as if nothing had happened? How could the vine over the doorway of my old home load itself with snowy roses, how could the birds sing, how could the sun shine as if such things as these could ever again gladden our broken hearts?
My dear little sons understood they were to escort me everywhere, so we presented ourselves together at the desk of the government official and announced our errand.
"Have you taken the oath of allegiance, Madam?" inquired that gentleman.
"No, Sir." I was quite prepared to take the oath.
The young officer looked at me seriously for a moment, and said, as he wrote out the order:—
"Neither will I require it of you, Madam!"
I was in better spirits after this pleasant incident, and, calling to Alick, I bade him arm himself with the largest basket he could find and take my order to the commissary.
"We are going to have all sorts of good things," I told him, "fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and everything."
When the boy returned he presented a drooping figure and a woebegone face. My first unworthy suspicion suggested his possible confiscation of my stores for drink, but he soon explained.