Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/216



She came from Yewton Place, her home,

So ravaged by the war's wild play—

Campings, and foragings, and fires—

That now she sought an aunt's abode.

Her Kinsmen? In Lee's army, they.

The black? A servant, late her sire's.

And Mosby? Vainly he inquires.

He gazed, and sad she met his eye;

"In the wood yonder were you lost"

No; at the forks they left the road

Because of hoof-prints (thick they were—

Thick as the words in notes thrice crossed),

And fearful, made that episode.

In fear of Mosby? None she showed.

Her poor attire again he scanned:

"Lady, once more; I grieve to jar

On all sweet usage, but must plead

To have what peeps there from your dress;

That letter—'tis justly prize of war"

She started—gave it—she must need.

"'Tis not from Mosby? May I read?"