He had accompanied his father about the farm, and received as much practical instruction in the art of farming as the time would admit.

He was naturally a quick learner, and now felt impelled by a double motive to prepare himself as well as possible to assume his new responsibilities.

His first motive was, of course, to make up his father's loss to the family, as far as it was possible for him to do so, but he was also desirous of showing Mrs.Roxana Mason and other ill-boding prophets that they had underrated his abilities.
The time came when Mr.Frost felt that he must leave his family.

He had enlisted from preference in an old regiment, already in Virginia, some members of which had gone from Rossville.

A number of recruits were to be forwarded to the camp on a certain day, and that day was now close at hand.
Let me introduce the reader to the farmhouse on the last evening for many months when they would be able to be together.