But many of the officers were assigned to the residences, and Colonel Winchester and his staff were directed by the general to take quarters in a large colonial house, standing on a broad lawn, amid the finest magnolias and live oaks that Dick had ever seen.
Remembering an earlier experience during the Shiloh campaign Colonel Winchester and his young officers approached the house with some reluctance.

In ordinary times it must have been brilliant with life.

Two little fountains were playing on either side of the graveled walk that led to the front door.

After the old fashion, three or four marble statues stood in the shrubbery.

Everything indicated wealth.