Of course, I did not expect him to write me the war news, but I think he could have written a few lines without any allusion to the war," said Captain Passford, pained at this want of filial affection on the part of his brother.
At that moment the bell for tea rang, and the captain invited his nephew to the table with him.

The host was saddened by the absence of news from his brother, of any kindly expression from one who was of the same blood as himself.

He was not quite satisfied with Corny's manner, or with the little he seemed to be willing to say about the rest of the family.

It was certainly very strange that the young man should be there at all, and his awkwardness and confusion made the visit seem still more singular.
It was possible that the young man had just arrived and was fatigued by the trials and perils of his trip, for he must have come by some roundabout way; and very likely he felt nervous and uneasy in the midst of people who were loyal to the government and the Union.

Captain Passford decided to say nothing more to his nephew at present as to the occasion and the manner of his visit to Bonnydale, and during the evening meal he avoided all allusion to the war, so far as it was possible to do so.