settled," continued
Mary.

"Yes," said the sympathetic lady, and her husband touched her quietly,
meaning for her not to interrupt.

"We didn't think the Union _could_ be broken so easily," pursued Mary.
"And then all at once it was unsafe and improper to travel alone. Still
I went to New York, to take steamer around by sea. But the last steamer
had sailed, and I had to go back home; for--the fact is,"--she
smiled,--"my money was all gone. It was September before I could raise
enough to start again; but one morning I got a letter from New Orleans,
telling me that John was very ill, and enclosing money for me to travel
with."

She went on to tell the story of her efforts to get a pass on the bank
of the Ohio river, and how she had gone home once more, knowing she was
watched, not daring for a long time to stir abroad, and feeding on the
frequent hope that New Orleans was soon to be taken by one or another of
the many naval expeditions that from time to time were, or were said to
be, sailing.

"And then suddenly--my mother died."

Mrs. Thornton gave a deep sigh.

"And then," said Mary, with a sudden brightening, but in a low voice, "I
determined to make one last effort. I sold everything in the world I had
and took Alice and started. I've come very slowly, a little way at a
time, feeling along, for I was resolved not to be turned back. I've been
weeks getting this far, and the lines keep moving south ahead of me. But
I haven't been turned back," she went on to say, with a smile, "and
everybody, white and black, everywhere, has been just as kind as kind
can be." Tears stopped her again.

"Well, never mind, Mrs. Richling," said Mrs. Thornton; then turned to
her husband, and asked, "May I tell her?"

"Yes."

"Well, Mrs. Richling,--but do you wish to be called Mrs. Richling?"

"Yes," said Mary, and "Certainly," said Mr. Thornton.

"Well, Mrs. Richling, Mr. Thornton has some money for your husband. Not
a great deal, but still--some. The younger of the two sisters died a few
weeks ago. She was married, but she was rich in her own right. She left
almost everything to her sister; but Mr. Thornton persuaded her to leave
some money--well, two thousand--'tisn't much, but it's something, you
know--to--ah to Mr. Richling. Husband has it now at home and will give
it to you,--at the breakfast-table to-morrow morning; can't you, dear?"

"Yes."

"Yes, and we'll not try to persuade you to give up your idea of going to
New