Part 72 (2/2)
Again she couldn't answer. She would not acknowledge defeat. She simply refused to face such a problem. It led the wrong way. With quick wit she changed her point of attack. She drew close and asked in pa.s.sionate tenderness:
”Have you counted the cost? The frightful cost which you and yours must pay if you dare defend Virginia?”
Lee nodded his head sorrowfully.
”On my knees, I've tried to reckon it.” He looked longingly over the wide lawn that rolled in green splendor toward the river.
”I know that if I cast my lot with Virginia, this home, handed down to us from Was.h.i.+ngton, will be lost, and its fields trampled under the feet of hostile armies. That my wife and children may wander homeless, dependent on the charity or courtesy of friends. The thought of it tears my heart!”
His voice sank to a whisper. And then he lifted his head firmly.
”But I must not allow this to swerve me an inch from my duty--”
The sound of horses' hoofs again echoed on the roadway, as Ben entered from the dining room to announce breakfast.
Lee listened.
”See who that is, Ben.”
”Ya.s.sah.”
As Ben pa.s.sed out the door, Lee continued:
”I will not say one word to influence my three sons. I will not even write to them. They must fight this battle out alone, as I am fighting it out to-day.”
His sister smiled wanly.
”Your sons will follow you, Robert. And so will thousands of the best men in Virginia. Your responsibility is terrible.”
Ben announced from the door.
”Mr. Francis Preston Blair, ter see you, sir.”
Lee waved the butler from the room.
”I'll receive him, Ben. You can go.”
”Thank G.o.d!” Mrs. Marshall breathed. ”He's the most influential man in Was.h.i.+ngton. He is in close touch with the President, and he is a Southerner--”
She looked at her brother pleadingly.
”You'll give him the most careful hearing, Robert?”
”I don't know the object of his visit, but I'll gladly see him.”
”He's a staunch Union man. He can have but one object in coming!” she cried with elation.
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