The war had ruined many others, but it brought profit to him, because all the guests paid and paid well.
John in a pleased and restful state listened, and he was soothed by the sound of their voices.

He had often heard old men at home, veterans of the Civil War, tell how grateful to them was the sight of a woman after months of marching and fighting.

Now he understood.

These were only cooks and housemaids, but their faces were not roughened like those of soldiers, and their voices and footsteps were light and soft.

Moreover, they gave him food and drink--for which he would pay farmer Gratz, however--and made much over him.
"We had royal guests last night," said the youngest of the maids, whom they called Annette, a slender blond girl.
"Going to the battle front ?" "Oh, no.