Adieu, adieu!

Silence followed the last note as it died away, for the song struck
home. Northern and Southern sympathizers alike swallowed a suspicious
lump as they thought of their loved ones far away on a field of strife,
and the applause was late in coming.

"Upon my soul, Nancy, that is a doleful song." Doctor Boyd strode over
to the piano. "Give us something cheerful. Play 'Dixie.'"

"Indeed, you will do nothing of the sort," declared Mrs. Warren, as
Nancy's fingers strayed over the keys. "Do you suppose I want the
provost marshal's men camping on my doorstep? Play 'Yankee Doodle' if
you wish; but first, Nancy, I want you to meet Major Goddard--Miss
Newton. Doctor Boyd, this is our friend Major Goddard, who is here on
leave."

Nancy simply bowed in acknowledgment of the introduction, but Doctor
Boyd held out his hand in hearty greeting.

"Glad to meet you, Major." Seeing Goddard's face more clearly as a
guest moved from before one of the lamps, he added: "Why, you are the
officer who wished to arrest us this morning, eh, Nancy?"

"Oh, no, sir," protested Goddard hastily. "Captain Lloyd and I simply
wanted to--to----"

"Don't apologize," retorted the doctor. "Stanton would like nothing
better than to send me to Old Capitol Prison; but they can't spare my
services, so I am left free to practice my profession."

"What are you growling about now?" asked Senator Warren, reaching
around the doctor to shake hands with Goddard. "Has my wife left you to
the tender mercies of Doctor John, Major? Come on, and I will introduce
you to Mrs. Bennett."

"From bad to worse," chuckled the doctor. "She will be claiming your
scalp, Major. Come to me when you want a hair restorer."

Mrs. Bennett, a very pretty woman with mincing manners, received
Goddard graciously, and made room for him on the sofa by her.

"Your name is already familiar to us," she said, "for your gallant
conduct at Cedar Creek was mentioned in all despatches. Mrs. Arnold,"
touching a stout woman who sat next her on the shoulder to attract her
attention, "may I present Major Robert Goddard?"

"How do you do." Mrs. Arnold held out a fat, jeweled hand in welcome.
Her good-natured face was creased in smiles. "My nephew, John Gurley,
has spoken of you so often that I feel as if we were old friends."

"That is very kind of you, Mrs. Arnold," said Goddard gratefully. "John
gave me a letter of introduction, but I have been so busy since my
arriv