and I had accepted innumerable invitations without in the least knowing
who gave them, or where they were to be fulfilled. Finally, however, we
broke through the massed ring, and succeeded in reaching the tall
individual in spectacles to whom the Major had spoken previous to
seeking me, and I learned through the introduction which followed that
I was in the presence of Brigadier-General Carlton, chief of staff.

For a moment, as I responded to the hearty cordiality of his welcome, I
was enabled to take my first glance at the ballroom, and found it to my
unaccustomed soldier eyes an inspiring spectacle. The room was
magnificently large,--a surprising apartment, indeed, even in so superb
a Southern home as this had evidently been, and its proportions were
magnified by numerous mirrors extending from floor to ceiling, causing
the more distant dancers to appear circling in space. Brilliantly
illumined by means of hanging chandeliers that oscillated slightly to
the merry feet; decorated lavishly everywhere with festooned flags and
tastefully arranged munitions of war; gay with the dress uniforms of
the men and the handsome gowns of the women, it composed a scene so
different from any I had looked upon in years as to hold me fascinated.
The constant clatter of tongues, the merry laughter, the flashing of
bright eyes, and the gleam of snowy shoulders, the good-humored
repartees caught as the various couples circled swiftly past, the
quick, musical gliding of flying feet over the waxen floor, the
continuous whirl of the intoxicating waltz, and over all the inspiring
strains of Strauss, caused my heart to bound, and brought with it an
insane desire to participate.

Yet gazing, entranced, upon the animated scene, and feeling deeply the
intoxication of the moment, my eyes were eagerly searching that happy
throng for sight of one fair woman's face. Strange as it must seem to