I really enjoyed the way this book tells about the Civil War & the people involved in it.

In the beginning of this story, the Allerton's were having a New Year's Eve Celebration the fourth year of the War Between the States. Elise Allerton & her friend Vera Latham were helping Berdeen Obanion, the Irish maid, serve the guests with heavy trays of food. President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation a year ago, and now freed slaves, known as contraband, were being allowed to fight in the war. Elise heard people discussing this and other aspects of the war as she walked through the people. Afterward Elise went to the playroom where the children were gathered. She had them line up from the oldest to the youngest. Elise had chosen humorous recitations for all the children to present tot he adults. She made sure they all knew their parts before telling Berdeen that they were ready. First Cleve Bayless, then Adam, next Daniel sounding like he was already an attorney like his father, each of the children had a part. At times they had to wait for the laughter to subside before continuing. The grand finale was to be a recitation entitled "How We Hunted a Mouse", which she had copied so that Daniel would be able to read it. Instead Daniel recited, "Our Flag", an essay by A. L. Stone, which reminded everyone of the war! Daniel had memorized it months ago, and by the end everyone was standing. The women's faces were covered with tears. It ended with "Rally round the flag" and several voiced the opinion that this should be the year the war ended. Despite that everyone thought her a heroine for ending the program that way, she had wanted everyone to laugh & be happy, because "Laughter is the best medicine." ( )