up now for brutal politics? Their sorrow had been hers, their joy should be hers too. She would take the papers herself and then say good-bye.
She found the mother and sister beside the cot. Ben was sleeping with Margaret holding one of his hands. The mother was busy sewing for the wounded Confederate boys she had found scattered through the hospital.
At the sight of Elsie holding aloft the message of life, she sprang to meet her with a cry of Joy.
She clasped the girl to her breast, unable to speak. At last she released her and said with a sob:
"My child, through good report and through evil report, my love will enfold you!"
Elsie stammered, looked away, and tried to hide her emotion. Margaret had knelt and bowed her head on Ben's cot. She rose at length, threw her arms around Elsie in a resistless impulse, kissed her and whispered:
"My sweet sister!"
Elsie's heart leaped at the words, as her eyes rested on the face of the sleeping soldier.
