Part 71 (1/2)

”I have resigned my commission in the United States Army, Mrs.

Marshall--”

Her finger rose in an imperious gesture.

”You will live to regret it, sir!”

Lee frowned and laid his hand on his sister's arm in a gesture of appeal.

”Annie, dear, please.”

She regained her poise at the touch of his hand and turned to Mrs. Lee.

Stuart extended his hand briskly.

”Goodbye, sir. I hope to see you in Richmond soon--”

Lee's answer was gravely spoken.

”Goodbye, my boy. I honor you in your quick decision, with the clear vision of youth. We, older men, must halt and pray, and feel our way.”

With a laugh in his blue eyes Stuart paused at the door half embarra.s.sed at Mrs. Marshall's presence. He waved his hat to the group.

”Well, goodbye, everybody! I'm off to join the Cavalry!”

Outside as he hurried to his horse he waved again.

”Goodbye--!”

There was a moment's painful silence. They listened to the beat of his horse's hoof on the white roadway toward Was.h.i.+ngton. As the tall soldier listened he heard the roar of the hoofs of coming legions. And a warrior's soul leaped to the saddle. But the soul of the man, of the father and brother uttered a cry of mortal pain. He looked about the hall in a dazed way as if unconscious of the presence of the women of his home.

Mrs. Lee saw his deep anxiety and whispered to Mrs. Marshall.

”Come to my room, Annie, and rest before you say anything to Robert--”

She shook her head.

”No--no, my dear. I can't. My heart's too full. I can't rest. It's no use trying.”

The wife took both her hands.

”Then remember, that his heart is even fuller than yours.”

”Yes, I know.”

”And you cannot possibly be suffering as he is.”

”I'll not forget, dear.”

Mrs. Lee pressed her hands firmly.