be taken of me, and what small mercy such a visitor as Mr.
Thorold would meet at the hands of my guardians. So with a
doubtful heart I kissed Miss Cardigan, and went back over the
way to prepare for my journey. Which was, however, thrown over
by a storm till the next week.

The journey made my heart beat, in spite of all my doubts. It
was strange, to see the uniforms and military caps which
sprinkled every assemblage of people, in or out of the cars.
They would have kept my thoughts to one theme, even if
wandering had been possible. The war, - the recruiting for the
war, - the coming struggle, - the large and determined
preparation making to meet it, - I saw the tokens of these
things everywhere, and heard them on every hand. The long
day's ride to Washington was a long fever dream, as it seems
to me now; it seemed a little so to me then.

It was dark when we reached Washington; but the thought that
now became present with me, that anywhere Thorold might be,
could scarce be kept in check by the reflection that he
certainly would not be at the railway station. He was not
there; and Dr. Sandford was; and a carriage presently conveyed
us to the house where rooms for us were provided. Not a hotel,
I was sorry to find. By no chance could I see Thorold
elsewhere than in a hotel.

Supper was very full of talk. Mrs. Sandford wanted to know
everything; from the state of the capital and the military
situation and prospects for the nation, to the openings for
enjoyment or excitement which might await ourselves. The