Returning, they called upon Mrs. Nash, whom they found in excellent spirits, full of enthusiastic delight with her new home and her restoration to the companionship of her husband, after months of separation. That seemed to make amends for everything: accustomed comforts could be done without, inconveniences easily borne, they would soon be remedied, and in the meantime were mere subjects for mirth. "She's a cheery and wise little woman," was the major's remark, as they went on their way again. "Yes; always the same," assented his wife; "but we'll hear a different story here," as they approached another cabin. "This is where the Barbours live, Nell, and I know Nancy of old." "So do I, and we part company here," said the major laughingly, lifting his hat to his wife and sister, and hurrying on his way, while they drew near the open door of the dwelling. "Walk in, ladies," said Mr. Barbour, putting his little girl off his knee, and trying to give them seats. "How do you do?" said his wife, coming forward. "I was just wondering if you two were going to be formal with an old friend like me. How fortunate you are in being able to run about enjoying yourselves, while here I've been hard at work since daylight; no time to rest after my long journey, but I must go to work washing up our dirty clothes the first thing." "No, now, Nancy," expostulated her husband, "you needn't have done it. I told you there were camp-women about, from Wayne's army, that would be glad of the job." "And I wouldn't have one of them near me if I never have any help," she retorted; "but I never get any thanks from you, work as hard as I will." "Father's been at work too," put in Flora, leaning up affectionately against him; "and so have I, and we've got most everything fixed now." "Yes, you look quite settled already," Mrs. Lamar remarked, glancing round the room. "It needn't take long for that when you've but one room and next to nothing to put in it," whined Mrs. Barbour. "But perhaps it's just as well not to have much, or it might be stolen from you; for I dare say those camp-women and soldiers are thievish; and I don't suppose there's any sort of government here yet, to protect property." "I've never heard of anything being stolen here," said Mrs. Lamar; "though to be sure the town is not a year old yet." "Well, there was a suspicious looking woman prowling about here last night; she came in making an excuse that she wanted to light her pipe at the fire, and stared round as if she was taking note where things were, in case she should get a chance to help herself." "Pooh! only idle curiosity," said Mr. Barbour. "You're always meeting trouble more than half way, Nancy." "We're out shopping," remarked Nell, willing to change the subject of conversation. "Shopping!" echoed Mrs. Barbour with a derisive laugh. "Yes," said Mrs. Lamar, rising; "and that reminds me, Nell, that we should be attending to it at once."