the North, too," objected Harry.

"So it would. Nevertheless they'll write this war, and they'll get their
side of it fastened on the world before our people begin to write."

"But if we win we won't care," said Randolph. "Success speaks for
itself. You can squirm and twist all you please, and make all the
excuses for it that you can think up, but there stands success glaring
contemptuously at you. You're like a little boy shooting arrows at the
Sphinx."

Thus the conversation ran on. Both Harry and Dalton were glad to be
in the company of these men, and to feel that there was something in
the world besides war. All the multifarious interests of peace and
civilization suddenly came crowding back upon them. Harry remembered
Pendleton with its rolling hills, green fields, and clear streams,
and Dalton remembered his own home, much like it, in the Valley of
Virginia, not so far away.

"Do you remain long in Richmond?" asked Randolph.

"A week at least," replied Harry.

"Then you ought to see a little of social life. Mrs. John Curtis,
a leading hostess, gives a reception and a dance to-morrow night.
I can easily procure invitations for both of you, and I know that she
would be glad to have two young officers freshly arrived from our
glorious Army of Northern Virginia."

"But our clothes!" said Dalton. "We have only a change of uniform apiece,
and they're not fresh by any means."

All the men laughed.

"You don't think that Richmond is indulging in gorgeous apparel do you?"
said Daniel. "We never manufactured much ourselves, and since all the
rest of the world is cut off from us where are the clothes to come from
even for the women? Brush up your uniforms all you can and you'll be
more than welcome. Two gallant young officers from the Army of Northern
Virginia! Why, you'll be two Othellos, though white, of course."

Harry glanced at Dalton, and Dalton glanced at Harry. Each saw that the
other wanted to go, and Daniel, watching them, smiled.

"I see that you'll come," he said, "and so it's settled. Have you
quarters yet?"

"Not yet," replied Harry, "but we'll see about it this afternoon."

"I'll have the invitations sent to you here at this hotel. All of us
will be there, and we'll see that you two meet everybody."

Both thanked him profusely. They were about to go, thinking it time to
report to General Winder, when Harry noticed a thin woman in a black
dress, carrying a large basket, and jus