Peggy clung to her without replying, and then quietly took her place in the cabriolet beside the nurse. She smiled bravely at them, and as the cabriolet started she leaned out and waved farewell as long as she could see her mother.
"The rolling world is girdled with the sound, Perpetually breathed from all who dwell Upon its bosom, for no place is found Where is not heard, 'Farewell.'"
As the little caravan turned from Chestnut Street into Seventh so that she could no longer see her home Peggy's lips quivered, and it was with difficulty that she refrained from bursting into tears.
"Give not way to idle grief at our parting," her mother had admonished her. "Thee will have need of all thy fortitude to attend thy cousin, and 'twere sinful to waste thy strength in weeping."
With this counsel in mind the girl struggled bravely against her emotion, and presently, wiping her eyes, turned toward the nurse. For youth is ever buoyant, and it is not natural for it to give way long to sadness. They had passed the Bettering House by this time and were well on their way toward the lower ferry.
"Thee will think me but a dull companion, I fear, friend nurse," she said. "But I grieve to leave my mother even for so short a time. In truth, I have but recently returned home after a long absence."
"Partings are always sad, my child, even when they are but for a few days," replied Nurse Johnson sympathetically. "I felt just so when I bade my sister farewell this morning. We had not seen each other for ten years until I came for this visit, and 'tis like to be as long again before we get another glimpse of each other if this fearful war continues. In times such as these separation from loved ones is fraught with more than the usual sorrow; for one never knows what will happen. But you have borne up bravely, child. I feared a scene. Most girls would have treated me to such. You have the making of a good nurse, Peggy, with such control."
"'Tis another time that I merit not thy praise," explained the maiden. "'Tis all due to mother. She cautioned me about giving way to my feelings, thinking that I would need my strength for the journey."
"Your mother is right," said Nurse Johnson soberly. "The way is long and we shall have much ado to beguile the tediousness of it. As a beginning, can you tell me if those earthworks yonder are the remains of British entrenchments?"