School let out and she began spending all of every weekday at the Deverells. Bernard, walking easily now, even running sometimes, had also learned to go up and down the stairs and to push open unlatched doors; Aurie had grown too big to run after him and Henrietta had to stay close to him every minute he wasn’t asleep. One day she tripped while trying to catch him before he reached the heap of broken and misfired pottery behind the kiln and, as if in sympathy with Izzy and Vic, sliced open her calf. Bernard was fine, although he started to cry when he saw the blood running down her leg. He quieted only when she bound it with a handkerchief.

The lilacs bloomed and then the peonies and then the sweet woodruff; almost six weeks passed without further word from Izzy or Vic. Henrietta, the wound on her leg healed by now, built a little swing for Bernard, which he adored. The papers reported another battle, in Pennsylvania, this one a victory; a letter followed shortly after.

Dear Brother—Vic has gone missing. He is listed as a deserter—he wasn’t with other soldiers returned to our regiment when Balloon Corps was disbanded, but I am sure he is someplace. If he comes home, you must tell him to come back.

My right arm is gone below the elbow—so badly infected it had to come off. I am being well looked after by some boys from our company, here after the battle at Gettysburg—they say we acquitted ourselves honorably there & suffered great losses. When I am stronger I will be discharged & expect to see you soon.

Your Izzy

(& regards from Savery Stokes. Wounded in foot at G’burg but doing well.)