Weeks passed, bringing renewed health and strength to the soldier, who began to feel very anxious to rejoin his command.  Various plans were discussed, but none appeared practicable.  Rumors of an advance of the Confederate forces, and of an impending battle, became every day more like certainties.  At last, one morning all were startled by the sound of heavy guns; later, volleys of musketry could be plainly heard.  Federal troops marched at double-quick through the town, on their way to the scene of strife.  All day the fight raged.  Sometimes the sound of firing would seem nearer, then farther off; at nightfall it ceased.  When it became quite dark, Mr. Grey, bidding them all farewell, hurriedly left the house, hoping to join some detachment of Confederates during the night, and to participate in the battle next day.

The next day was fought the battle of ——­, which raged almost in sight of the town.  Nelly was, of course, in a state of great alarm and excitement, but both her mamma and grandma were carefully preparing the house for the reception of the wounded.  Soon every room was occupied, and the ladies had their hands full in attending to them.  On the second day a wounded Federal was brought to the house.  While nursing him, Mrs. Grey learned that he was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel ——­, the officer who had so kindly assisted in her time of need.  He told her that the colonel had been terribly wounded and carried to a hospital on the battle-field.  Mrs. Grey at once determined to find him, and, if still alive, to do him all the good in her power.  So, summoning farmer Dale, she rode with him to the hospital.  Being an officer, Colonel ——­ was easily found.  He had just suffered amputation of an arm, and was weak from loss of blood, but recognizing Mrs. Grey, smiled and seemed glad to see her.  It was impossible to move him, but from that time he lacked nothing that could add to his comfort.  Later, Nelly was allowed to visit him, frequently bringing flowers, and in many pleasant ways cheering his loneliness.

Meanwhile the Confederate forces had swept on into Pennsylvania, but, alas, were forced back.  When they returned to Virginia, Mrs. Grey and Nelly went with them, for both preferred to risk all chances rather than to remain within the Federal lines, cut off from all communication with the husband and father who might at any time need their services.  So they became “refugees,” living as did thousands of homeless ones, as best they might.  Maum Winnie having proved her skill as a nurse, found plenty of employment.  Her wages, added to the little Mrs. Grey could earn by her needle, kept them from absolute want.  At last came the sad day of “the surrender.”

Nelly was yet too young to understand the sorrow and despair of her mother, nor could she refrain from exceeding wonder when one day Mr. Grey appeared, looking like an old and haggard man, and without a greeting to his wife and child, tottered to a seat, throwing his arms upon the table, burying his face within them, while be moaned and sobbed as only a man can.  Kneeling by his side, his wife tried to soothe and comfort him, but although he was able at last to restrain his grief, it was many a day before he was seen to smile.