"I am glad that my views are honored by your good opinion, colonel," he
said, "and that you approve of the tone of them. I am naturally given
to invective--a habit derived from my friend, the late Mr. Randolph;
but the country wants encouragement."
"And yet not to satirize is so hard, my dear sir!"
"Very hard."
"Think of the army depleted--the soldiers starving--the finances in
ruin, and entire destruction threatening us!"
The old statesman was silent. A moment afterward he raised his head,
and with his thin finger pointed to the crossed swords above his
mantelpiece.
"I try to bear and forbear since I lost my poor boys," he said. "They
died for their country--I ought to live for it, and do what I can in my
sphere--to suppress my bitterness, and try to utter words of good
cheer. But we are discussing gloomy topics. Let us come to more
cheerful matters. I am in very good spirits to-day. My daughters have
come to make me a visit," and the old face glowed with smiles; its
expression was quite charming.
"I see you do not appreciate that great treat, my dear colonel," he
added, smiling. "You are yet unmarried, though I rejoice to hear you
are soon to be united to a daughter of my old friend, Colonel Beverly,
of "The Oaks." Some day I hope you will know the great charm of
paternity.
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