Part 70 (1/2)
Sam reached the door and met Ben.
”Uncle Ben--he's a comin'--Ma.r.s.e Stuart's horse! I seen him 'way 'cross de ribber fust--des one long, white streak er dust ez fur ez de eye can reach!”
The mother gripped Mary's arm with cruel force. The strain was again more than she could bear.
”Oh, dear, oh, dear, what have they done? What have they done?”
Ben entered the hall holding himself erect with the dignity of one who must bear great sorrows with his people. The mistress called to him weakly:
”Tell Colonel Lee, Ben.”
The old man bowed gravely.
”Ya.s.sam. Right away, M'am.”
Ben hurried to call his master as Sam edged into the front door and smiled at his mistress.
Mrs. Lee saw and recognized him for the first time. His loyalty touched her deeply in the hour of trial. She extended her hand in warm greeting.
”Why, _Sam_, you've come home!”
”Ya.s.sam. I come back ter stan' by my folks when dey needs me.”
Mary's eyes were misty as she smiled her welcome.
”You're a good boy, Sam.”
”Ya.s.sam. Ma.r.s.e Robert teach me.”
The echo of Stuart's horse's hoof rang under the portico and Sam hurried to meet him.
His clear voice called:
”Don't put 'im up, boy!”
Mary's heart began to pound. She knew he would be galloping down the white graveled way again in a few minutes. His next order confirmed her fear.
”Just give him some water!”
”Ya.s.sah!”
The two women stood huddled close in tense anxiety.
Lee hurried down the stairs and met Stuart at the door. Before the familiarity of a handshake or word of welcome he asked:
”What news, Lieutenant?”
Stuart spoke with deep emotion. On every word the man and the woman hung breathlessly.
”It has come, sir. Virginia has answered to the President's call to send troops against her own people. She has sacrificed all save honor. The vote of the Convention was overwhelming. She has withdrawn from the Union--”