"I don't see how they can have any sympathy for little common heartaches and headaches, though, when to be run through the body is such a trifle. They can't, I think, major."
"But Mrs. Sandford -"
"For instance," the lady went on, unmercifully, - "for instance, Miss Randolph has her head taken off by a cannon ball. The doctor and I are desolate; but Major Fairbairn says it is a 'casualty.' Or, the doctor himself may be hit by a shot not intended for him, and put out of charge of his hospital for ever. Miss Randolph and I are in ashes; but our friend Major Fairbairn says it is only a 'casualty.' "
"But friends, Mrs. Sandford, -" the major began.
"Everybody has friends," said Mrs. Sandford. "I was reading in the paper just now a list of these little accidents. One man had his leg shattered by a minie ball; it killed him in a few hours. Another had a charge of grape-shot in his breast; it struck the spine. He is dead. What is grape-shot, Major Fairbairn?"
The major hastily passed to the sideboard in the other room and brought me a glass of water.
"Daisy!" Mrs. Sandford exclaimed. "Are you faint, my dear? These are only casualties. My dear, are you faint? what is the matter? - Bless me, how white you are! What is it?"
I drank the water, and struggled back into composure, at least outwardly; being very much surprised at myself.
"But what is the matter, Daisy? what is the matter? I have said nothing in the world. Cannot you bear that?"
"Major Fairbairn was going to tell us something, ma'am," I said, endeavouring to throw my thoughts off.