One ride besides we had; that was all. Except one other
experience; which was afterwards precious to me beyond price.
As it became known that Dr. Sandford's illness was persistent
and not dangerous, and that I was in consequence leading a
(supposed) bitterly dull life; it naturally happened that our
acquaintances began to come round us again; and invitations to
this or that entertainment came pouring upon me. I generally
refused; but once thought it, best, as a blind to Mrs.
Sandford, to accept an invitation to ride. Mrs. Sandford as
before demurred, but would not object.
"Who is it this time, Daisy?" she asked.
I named Major Fairbairn; luckily also an officer whom I had
known the last summer at West Point.
"Nothing but officers!" she remarked in a dubious tone. "Not
much else to be had here."
"And nothing much better anywhere," I said, "when, one is
going on horseback. They know how to ride."
"All Southerners know that. By the way, Daisy, I have heard
yesterday of Lieutenant Gary. He is in Beauregard's army."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Quite, I think. I was told by Mr. Lumpkin; and he knows all
the Southern doings, and people."
"Then he ought not to be here." I said. "He may let them know
our doings."
"Ours!" said Mrs. Sandford. "How fierce you are. Is Major
Fairbairn South or North? I don't remember."
"From Maine."
"Well. But, Daisy, what will your father and mother say to
you?"
There was no use in considering that question. I dismissed it,
and got ready for the major and my horse. Mounted, my
companion asked me, where should we go? I had considered that
point; and after a little pause asked, as coolly as I could,
where there were any troops drilling in cavalry or artillery
exercises. Major Fairbairn pondered a minute and told me, with
rather a rueful countenance.
"Let us go there first," I said. "It is an old story to you;
but I never saw such a thing. I want to see it and understand
it, if I can."
"Ladies like to see it, I know," said the major.
"You think, we cannot understand it?"
"I don't see how you should."
"I am going to try, Major Fairbairn. And notwithstanding your
hopeless tone, I expect you to give me all the help you can."
"I think, the less you understand of it, the better," said the
major.
"Pray why?"
"Doesn't seem comfortable knowledge, for those who cannot use
it."
"Men think that of many things," I said. "And they are much
mistaken. Knowledge is always comfortable. I mean, it is
comfortable to have it, rather than to be ignorant."
"I don't know -" said the major. "Where ignorance is bliss -"
"Ignorance never is bliss!" I said energetically.