But all the northern papers said it was one great victory after another, and we believed them.

All the regimental bands at the Landing played; and everybody was so excited.

We all expected to hear that our army was in Richmond." Celia reddened to the ears, and her lips tightened, but she said nothing; and Letty went on, unconscious of the fiery emotions awaking in Celia's breast: "Everybody was so cheerful and happy in the hospital--all those poor sick soldiers," she said, "and everybody was beginning to plan to go home, thinking the war had nearly ended.

I thought so, too, and I was so glad.

And then, somehow, people began to get uneasy; and the first stragglers appeared.