amusements, - if I can give that term to what had such deep
and thrilling interest for me; but I grew only more secretly
restless with every one. My companions seemed to find it all
amusement, the rides and parades and receptions that were
constantly going on; I only saw everywhere the preparation for
a desperate game soon to be played. The Secessionists
threatened Washington; and said "only wait till the Fourth."
The people in Washington laughed at this; yet now and then I
saw one who did not laugh; and such were often some of those
who should know best and judge most wisely. Troops were
gathered under Beauregard's command not very far from the
capital. I knew the dash and fire and uncompromising temper of
the people I was born among; I could not despise their threats
nor hold light their power. My anxiety grew to see Mr.
Thorold; but I could not. I watched and watched; nothing like
him crossed my vision. Once, riding home late at night from a
gay visit to one of the neighbouring camps, we had drawn
bridle in passing the grounds of the Treasury Building, where
the Eleventh Massachusetts regiment was encamped; and slowly
walking by, were endeavouring to distinguish forms and sounds
through the dim night air - forms and sounds so novel in
Washington and so suggestive of interests at stake and dangers
at hand; when the distinct clatter of a horse's hoofs in full
gallop came down the street and passed closed by me. The light
of a passing lamp just brushed the flying horseman; not enough
to discover him, but enough to lift my heart into my mouth. I
could not tell whether it were Mr. Thorold; I cannot tell what
I saw; only my nerves were unstrung in a moment, and for the
rest of that night I tossed with impatient pain. The idea of
being so near Mr. Thorold, was more than I could bear. One