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the North, too," objected Harry. "So it would. Nevertheless they'll write this war, and they'll get their side of it fastened on the world before our people begin to write." "But if we win we won't care," said Randolph. "Success speaks for itself. You can squirm and twist all you please, and make all the excuses for it that you can think up, but there stands success glaring contemptuously at you. You're like a little boy shooting arrows at the Sphinx." Thus the conversation ran on. Both Harry and Dalton were glad to be in the company of these men, and to feel that there was something in the world besides war. All the multifarious interests of peace and civilization suddenly came crowding back upon them. Harry remembered Pendleton with its rolling hills, green fields, and clear streams, and Dalton remembered his own home, much like it, in the Valley of Virginia, not so far away. "Do you remain long in Richmond?" asked Randolph. "A week at least," replied Harry. "Then you ought to see a little of social life. Mrs. John Curtis, a leading hostess, gives a reception and a dance to-morrow night. I can easily procure invitations for both of you, and I know that she would be glad to have two young officers freshly arrived from our glorious Army of Northern Virginia." "But our clothes!" said Dalton. "We have only a change of uniform apiece, and they're not fresh by any means." All the men laughed. "You don't think that Richmond is indulging in gorgeous apparel do you?" said Daniel. "We never manufactured much ourselves, and since all the rest of the world is cut off from us where are the clothes to come from even for the women? Brush up your uniforms all you can and you'll be more than welcome. Two gallant young officers from the Army of Northern Virginia! Why, you'll be two Othellos, though white, of course." Harry glanced at Dalton, and Dalton glanced at Harry. Each saw that the other wanted to go, and Daniel, watching them, smiled. "I see that you'll come," he said, "and so it's settled. Have you quarters yet?" "Not yet," replied Harry, "but we'll see about it this afternoon." "I'll have the invitations sent to you here at this hotel. All of us will be there, and we'll see that you two meet everybody." Both thanked him profusely. They were about to go, thinking it time to report to General Winder, when Harry noticed a thin woman in a black dress, carrying a large basket, and jus
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