CHAPTER II.
Round the corner of the hedge at a swift trot came a man in the uniform of an officer in the Confederate Army,--and Virgie was in his arms.
Mrs.Cary gave him one look and threw out her arms.
"Herbert!" The man on horseback let Virgie slide down and then dismounted like a flash, coming to her across the little space of lawn with his whole soul in his eyes.

With his dear wife caught in his arms he could do nothing but kiss her and hold her as if he would never again let her go.
"Hallie," he breathed, "but it's good to see you again.

It's _good_." And so they stood for a long moment, husband and wife united after months of separation, after dangers and terrors and privations which had seemed as if they never would end.
Sally Ann was one of the first to interrupt, edging up at the earliest opportunity with her beard in her hand.

"How you does, Mars' Cary?
How you fine yo'sef, seh ?" "Why, hullo, Sally Ann!" said Cary, and put out his hand.

"What on earth is this thing ?" Virgie ran to his side and caught his hand in hers.