"That can wait until you are better."
"No," I said, "do not wait. I am well. What were you going to say, major?"
"Only that things are much better than they were supposed to be yesterday."
"You said that before. Please go on."
"Well, it is always so," said the major. "At first all the stragglers are counted for lost. Then they come in. They are coming in now, by scores, all the while. Instead of thousands killed and wounded, it is found to-day that there are but five or six hundred; and without being particularly hard-hearted, I rejoice at it. That is part of what I was going to say."
The major spoke gravely, and looked at me with an anxious expression. I assured him I was better, and begged him to tell us the rest.
"You have put it all out of my head, Miss Randolph. Will you have - won't you have - something else? - wine? Pardon me, you have not regained your usual colour."
"The best thing would be some more of your good news. I have a great appetite for good news, after yesterday."
"Naturally. Well, the rest of my news is very good. The country is answering the call made upon her."
"The call for fortitude?" said Mrs. Sandford.