December 16th, 1864.—We have had company today, ladies from town to spend the day. I have listened to many a bit of gossip and heard some laughable incidents related. Life is a complex problem; it is like a kaleidoscope in its changing scenes. On one side all is gay and bright and on the other, sorrow and dark misery.
One of Father’s favorite texts is this: “Trust in the Lord and do good,” and it seems that is the only thing left for us to do. Father says I must remember that the Bible says there is a time for all things, a time to laugh and a time to weep and it is as much our duty to “rejoice with them that do rejoice” as it is “to weep with them that weep.” So I have tried to forget the poor sick Yankee and his sad death and take part in the fun these ladies are having.
There are to be two or three weddings; at least two engagements are in sight, if not yet une fait accompli. One couple were married last week and parted at the church door; he to go to Virginia and she to go home to wait for him.
Lieutenant So-and-So was suspected of casting soft glances at a certain charming young widow, who still wears her weeds, and eyebrows went up and voices were lowered to a whisper, as the tale was recited of a certain aged Romeo and Juliet who are, at present, amusing Tallahassee society. Well, the day is over and I will not deny that I have laughed as heartily as if there was no war, but it is only to lose sight of it for a little while.
