"I know, papa," I said softly. "But I cannot help thinking of what will be said somewhere else. I would like that you and I, and she too, might have that 'Well done' - which the Lord Jesus will give to some. And when they enter into the joy of their Lord, will they care what His service has cost them?"
My eyes were full of tears, and I could scarcely speak; for I felt that I had gained very little ground, or better no ground at all. What indeed could I have expected to gain? Papa sat still, and I looked over at Jerusalem, where the westing sun was making a bath of sunbeams for the old domes and walls. A sort of promise of glory, which yet touched me exceedingly from its contrast with present condition. Even so of other things, and other places besides Jerusalem. But Melbourne seemed to be in shadow. And Magnolia? -
I wondered what papa would say next, or whether our talk had come to a deadlock then and there. I had a great deal more myself to say; but the present opportunity seemed to be questionable. And then it was gone; for Mr. Dinwiddie mounted the hill and came to take a seat beside us.
"Any news, Mr. Dinwiddie?" was papa's question, as usual.
"Confused sort - as the custom is. Skirmishes which amount to nothing, and tell nothing. However, there is a little more this time. Fort Henry has been taken, on the Tennessee river, by Commander Foote and his gunboats."
"Successes cannot always be on one side, of course," remarked my father.
"Roanoke Island has been taken, by the sea and land forces under Burnside and Goldsborough."
"Has it!" - said papa. "Well, - what good will that do them?"
"Strengthen their hearts for continuing the struggle," said Mr. Dinwiddie. "It will do that."
"The struggle cannot last very long," said my father. "They must see sooner or later how hopeless it is."
"Not in the light of these last events," said Mr. Dinwiddie. "What does my other friend here think about it?"
"Do you think Daisy has some special means of knowledge?" asked my father, carelessly.
"Well - yes," said Mr Dinwiddie. "She has been among Northern friends a good while; perhaps she can judge better of their tone and temper than I can, - or you, sir."
"I cannot hold just the view that you do, Mr. Dinwiddie, - or that papa does."
