all black, and rough, and uncouth as she was. I kissed her
more than once, and felt honored in doing so. Poor Bab! her back is
still a piteous sight, and I dress it every day, shuddering at the
sight, and thanking God that slavery, with all its horrors, is at an
end. I wish you could see how grateful the old creature is for every act
of kindness. She says 'the very feel of misses' soft, white hands makes
her old back better,' and she praises me continually to Mark, who is
just foolish enough to believe all she says. When we come home again,
both John and Bab will come with us, though what we shall do with John
is more than I can tell. Mark says he shall employ him about the office,
and this I know will delight Tom Tubbs, who has again made friends with
Chitty, and who will almost worship John as having saved Mark's life.
Aunt Bab shall have an honored seat by the kitchen fire, and a pleasant
room all to herself, working only when she likes, and doing as she
pleases.

"Did I tell you that Mattie Tubbs was to be my seamstress? I am getting
together a curious household, you will say; but I like to have those
about me to whom I can do the greatest amount of good, and as I happen
to know how much Mattie admires 'the Lennox girls,' I did not hesitate
to take her, even though Mark did ask if I intended bringing her into
the parlor to help entertain my company. Mark is a saucy, teasing
fellow, and I see more and more how he kept up that dreadful
Andersonville while so many of his comrades died. Dear Mark! can I ever
be grateful enough to God for bringing him home?

"We stopped at Annapolis on our way here, and I shall never forget the
pale, worn faces, or the great, sunken eyes which looked at me so
wistfully as I went from cot to cot, speaking words of cheer to the
sufferers, some of whom were Mark's companions in prison, their dim eyes
lighting up with joy as they recognized him and heard of his escape.
There are several nurses here, but no words of mine can tell what one of
them is to the poor fellows, or how eagerly they watch for her coming,
following her with so greedy glances as he moves about the room, and
holding her hand with a clasp, as if they would keep her with them
always. Indeed, more than one heart, as I am told, has confessed its
allegiance to her; but she answers all the same: 'I have no love to
give. It died out long ago, and cannot be recalled.' Yon can guess who
she is, Katy. The soldiers call her an ange