Still greater uneasiness about Roanoke Island. It is so
important to us — is said to be the key to Norfolk; indeed, to all Eastern
North Carolina, and Southeastern Virginia. We dread to-morrow's papers.
The lady on Street has disappointed me. She met me with a
radiant smile when I went to see her this evening, saying, “She agrees; she
must, however, remove the wardrobe and bureau, as she wants them herself; but
there’s a closet in the room, which will answer for a wardrobe, and I reckon
that a table with a glass on it will do for a bureau.” “Oh, yes; only give me a
good bed, some chairs and a washstand, and I can get along very well. Can I see
the room?” “Yes; it is a back-room in the third story, but I reckon you won’t
mind that.” My heart did sink a little
at that communication, when I remembered Mr. _____’s long walks from Bank
Street; but there was no alternative, and I followed her up the steps. Great
was my relief to find a large airy room, neatly carpeted, and pleasant in all
respects. “This will do,” said I; “take the wardrobe and bureau out, and put a
table in, and I shall be very well satisfied.” “I have a small table,” she
replied, “but no glass; you will have to buy that.” “Very well, I will do that.
But you have not yet told me your terms.” “Will you keep a fire? “Oh, certainly, in my room.” “Then my charge
is _____.” I stood aghast! “My dear madam,” said I, “that is twenty
dollars more than the usual price, and three dollars less than our whole salary
per month.” “Well, I can't take a cent less; other people take less because
they want to fill their rooms, but I was only going to take yon for
accommodation; and I can fill my rooms at any time.” Now the lines of her face
were not undecided. I turned, and as I walked up the already lighted streets of
my native city, feeling forlorn and houseless,
"In happy homes I saw the
light
Of household fires gleam warm and
bright;”
and hope that I was not envious. My friends were very
sympathetic when I returned, not, however, without a certain twinkle of the eye
denoting merriment, as it exactly coincided with a most provoking prophecy made
by Mr. C. as I set out; and I joined in a hearty laugh at my own expense, which
was a real relief to my feelings.
No good news from Roanoke Island. Fort Henry has fallen;
that loss is treated lightly, but the enemy have turned their attention to Fort
Donelson, on Cumberland River, which, if taken, would give them free access
into the heart of Tennessee.
SOURCE: McGuire, Judith W., Diary of a Southern
Refugee, During the War, p. 90-1
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