Page:The Story of Aunt Becky's Army-Life .djvu/233



with all the excitement of the hopes newborn, yet tempered by the sorrow which had thrown its shadows over the most joyous tidings ever borne to us. Yet we tended the wounded, lingered in the sunshine, talked of the pleasant weather, and thought of separations which would be hard to bear.

I wished to obtain my pay, as it was due, and went up to Washington on the transport with the wounded, one of those bright days in April, and my "pass" being of the regular, I expected to have lodging on the boat on my return, as it would be a night-trip. Calling for it near dark, I was told that to obtain a state-room, I must pay seventy-five cents.

A woman on her way to Fortress Monroe occupied the cabin in company with me, and several officers were scattered about lounging on chair and sofa. I said to the captain who informed me, "Your sofas are very comfortable, I think I can rest here;" and, folding my shawl, I made myself ready for sleep, better lodged than I had been before in months.

Persisting in his wish to furnish me with a state-room for seventy-five cents, the captain soon sent a chambermaid to inquire if I was not yet ready to take