"I am very glad that you are now in the regiment of Colonel Winchester,
and that you are an aide on his staff. It is best to be with one's own
people. I have known Colonel Winchester a long time, and he has all the
qualities that make a man, brave and gentle. I hope that you and he
will become the best of friends."
There was much more in the letter, but it was only the little details
that concern mother and son. Dick was sitting by the fire when he read
it. Then he read it a second time and a third time, folded it very
carefully and put it in the pocket in which he had carried the dispatch
from General Thomas.
Colonel Winchester was sitting near him, and Dick noticed again what a
fine, trim man he was. Although a little over forty, his figure was
still slender, and he had an abundant head of thick, vital hair.
His whole effect was that of youth. His glance met Dick's and he smiled.
"A letter from home?" he said.
"Yes, sir, from mother. She writes to me that she is glad I am in your
command. She speaks very highly of you, sir, and my mother is a woman
of uncommon penetration."
A faint red tinted the tanned cheeks of the colonel. Dick thought it
was merely the reflection of the fire.
"Would you care for me to read what she says about you?" asked Dick.
"If you don't mind."
Dick drew out the letter again and read the paragraph.
"Your mother is a very fine woman," said Colonel Winchester.
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