Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-03-28
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
1t was quiet winter IN Louisiana,
though the times grew harder, and deep
gloom hung over the country. Every
household had been called on TO give up
father, husband, or brother, and sad IT,
dings Of sickness or death brought SORROW
to many hearts.
John Grant came home on a short leave
Of absence, which expired before Magda-
len had talked half as much as she in-
tended to, so she declared, trying TO force
brave smile to her lips.
she returned to her spinning and her
weaving again, after his departure, de-
termined to look only on the bright side
OF her life.
The new year advanced, but no pros
peet Of peace appeared. The Cammaeks
heard from their gallant soldiers only
rarely, and CoFdelia's marriage seemed
but a dream. Not dream to the young
wife though. She cherished the few
short letters she received from her hus-
band, aspriceless treasures, reading them
and wearing them next to her heart until
they fell to pieces.
In the latter part of that summer Mrs.
Cammaek grew really i'll with the weari-
ness OF long suspense and anxiety. 1t
was slow decline and she might have
resisted and overcome it, il she had only
exerted her will, but she did not. She
believed the country to be ruined and she
gave up her son as lost to her. He would
never come safely through the struggle,
aud she could not see that she had any
thing lett to live for. So her life mar
rOwed down to the space OF her rooms.
For a long time Magdalen would only
send up or call and inquire after her
health A strange GOODNESS had existed
between them ever since the girls return
home, and she did not care to be regarded
as an intruder.
But one day Mrs. Cammack's waiting
maid came down to the cottage.
"Missus says, wifi you please to come
up and sit with'er awhile! Miss Corde-
said 70 Magdaien.
ayes, certainly l will with pleasure.
Tell your mistress So"
Ten minutes later she entered the sick
room with her work in her hands The
invalid sat in an easy chair, surrounded
by ease and luxury, but her pale face did
not reflect peace or satisfaction.
what are you making MagdslenT
she inquired, leaning back and watching
her curi0uslys
"A white petticoat for Manse," she re-
piled with bright smile.
''She spun the thread, woVe the cloth
and now 1t will sOOu be ready to wear"
''Have you never grown tired OF work ?"
''N0 madam. 1t has saved me many
sad, or lonely days. When | am at work
l have no time to fear or imagine evils
that have not come upon u.s."
perhaps you were right to learn 1t. l
almost wish" but there she paused and
gazed into the fire with melancholy eyes.
They were rather stiff and formal that
time, but Mrs. Cammack sent for her
again and again, until at last the girl did
not wait 10 be sent for, but came every
day and exerted herself to be pleasant
and entertaining TO the invalid.
"Humph Where did that girl learn
so much?' oid Anthan Cammaek alb
ruptly inquired one evening after she had
gone home. They had been talking of the
war, and Magdalen had ventured TO have
an opinion Of her own. Itsurprised and in
teTested him, and he rubbed up his glasses
and his wits together and regarded her
attentively. She bore the sharp scrutiny
unhinchingly, and in the conversation
which followed maintained her points
bravely.
''She is developing into fine woman, a
lovely sensible woman" he said pOking
the fire. "Queer too. An overseer's
daughter
''Does that make any difference grand
pap inquired Cordelia.
old peasant stock which peopled Georgia
when IL was new. Grant told me his an-
cestors were English"
"And the peasants blood NAV be as
pure as the princes, aye, purer. If this
war continues | think we will all come
down 20 an equality. rich anG poor, over
seer and planter. II the negroes are
freed"
"But the negroes will never be freed"
be stubbOrnly said.
"Ah grandpa, / think Magdalen Is
right when she says our cause Is losing
grOund.v
"And pray what does Magdalen know
about itf She's smart girl, but she
does not know it all YET" he Grossly ex-
claimed.
still he always joined the ladies', when
Magdalen was there, aud many were the
arguments they had. They never fully
agreed, but be liked that ali the better.
Cordoba secretly exulted.
Without knowing IL the overseer's
daughter was becoming necessary TO the
household. Magdalen must read 10 the
invalid, or cheer her up with little
hopeful talk. She must have an argu-
ment with the master OF the house, aud
she must be the friend and confident or
Henry Lees wife.
''Oh yes, IL Will all come right yet, and
when peace has beon declared, Lawrence
Will marry the woman Of his choice and
we will all be satisfied and happy"
unused Cordelia taking n long look
ahead
Upper Louisiana still remained undis-
turbed by the presence Of the enemy,
though many OF the swamp planters
gathered up their money and negroes and
fed TO place Of greater security.
The Siege and fan az Vicksburg shook
their confidence, alarmed them. There,