was  mentioned  for  president,  by  three  persons  at  the  same
time.  She  was  not  there,  and  a  friend  remarked  she  would
not  be  able  to  fill  the  position,  as  her  health  was  very  delicate,
and  she  had  heavy  responsibilities.  The  answer  was  made,
that  if  she  would  #only  advise  them,  and  meet  with  them
once  a  week,  they  would  ask  no  more  of  her.  She  was
elected  unanimously.
The  lady  at  whose  house  I  sojourned,  proposed  that  I
should  drive  out  a  mile  and  see  her,  and  hear  her  remarka-
ble story  from  her  own  lips,  telling  me  only,  that  she  had
two  sons  and  a  husband  in  the  army,  had  cheerfully  given
them,  and  was  left  at  home  with  a  little  boy  to  work  the
farm.  The  dwelling  was  plain,  and  the  garden  neglected.
It  gave  evidence  of  the  absence  of  the  strong  arms  that  had
made  it  the  pride  of  the  neighborhood.  She  came  out  to  the
carriage  to  grfeet  us,  and  after  I  was  introduced,  I  said,  "  Mad-
am, I  have  come  to  see  a  loving  wife  and  mother,  who  has
given  her  husband  and  two  sons,  without  a  murmur,  to  serve
their  country,  and  remained  behind  to  toil,  that  they  may
go.     Pray,  tell  me  your  wonderful  story."

**  It  is  very  short,"  said  the  frail  creature.  Her  flashing
black  eyes  kindled  till  they  cast  a  glow  over  her  pale  face.
X


106  THE  BOYS  IK  BLUE.
