But youth conquered all.

There was very little gloom in this great army which disported itself in the water or in the shade.
Thousands of wounded, still pale, but with returning strength, lay on the October leaves and looked forward to the day when they could join their comrades in either games or war.
Harry himself had suffered for a while from a great exhaustion.

He had been terribly anxious, too, about his father, but a letter written just after the battle of Perryville, and coming through with unusual promptness by the way of Chattanooga and Richmond, had arrived the day before, informing him of Colonel Kenton's safety.

In this letter his father had spoken of his meeting with Dick Mason in his home at Pendleton, and that also contributed to his new lightness of heart.
Dick was not a brother, but he stood in the place of one, and it was good to hear again of him.
The sounds of shouts and laughter far up and down the Opequon became steady and soothing.

The October winds blowing gently were crisp and fresh, but not too cold.