. Allison; "strife among
brethren; its fruits are bitter, heart-rending."

"And being all one people there was equal bravery, talent, and
determination on both sides; which made the struggle a very desperate
one," said Harold.

"And the military tic-tacs were the same," added Aunt Wealthy; "and then
speaking the same language, and looking so much alike, foes were
sometimes mistaken for friends, and versa-vice."

"A brother-in-law of Louise's was confined in Fort Delaware for some
months," said Adelaide, addressing her brother, "and wrote to me for some
articles of clothing he needed badly, adding, 'If you could send me
something to eat, it would be most thankfully received.' I sent twice, but
neither package ever reached him."

"Too bad! too bad!" said Mr. Dinsmore; "yet very likely it was through no
fault of the government."

"No; I am satisfied that individuals--selfish, unscrupulous men of whom
there were far too many on both sides, were the real culprits, and that
the government intended every prisoner should be made as comfortable as
circumstances would permit," said Mr. Allison. "But there are men who made
large fortunes by swindling the government and robbing our brave soldiers;
men unworthy of the name! who would sell their own souls for gold!"

"You are right, sir!" said Mr. Travilla; "one who could take advantage of
the necessities of his own country, to enrich himself by robbing her, is
not worthy to be called a man."

"And I esteem an officer who could rob the soldiers very little better,"
said Daisy. "Again and again canned fruits and other niceties, sent by
ladies for the comfort of the sick and wounded men, were appropriated by
officers who did not need them, and knew they were not given to them."

"And the conclusion of the whole matter," said Harold, with his placid,
patient smile, "is that there were on both sides men who, loving and
seeking their own interest above country, personal honor, or anything
else, would bring disgrace upon any cause. No, Mrs. Carrington, I have no
bitter feeling towards the South. My heart aches for her people in their
bereavements, their losses, and all the difficulties of reconstruction and
adapting themselves to the new order of things which is the result of the
war."

Elsie had several times expressed to her husband and father a deep anxiety
to hear from Viamede, and had written to both Mr. Mason and Spriggs,
inquiring about the people and the condition of the