Part 73 (1/2)
With courtesy Lee met his distinguished visitor at the door and grasped his hand.
”Walk in, Mr. Blair. You know my sister, Mrs. Marshall of Baltimore?”
Blair smiled.
”I am happy to say that Mrs. Marshall and I are the best of friends.
We have often met at the house of my son, Montgomery Blair, of Mr.
Lincoln's Cabinet.”
”Let me take your hat, sir,” Lee said with an answering smile.
”Thank you.”
The Colonel crossed the room to place it on a table.
Mrs. Marshall took advantage of the moment to whisper to Blair.
”I've done my best. I'm afraid I haven't convinced him. May G.o.d give you the word to speak to my brother to-day!”
Blair rubbed his hands and a look of triumph overspread his rugged face.
”He has, Madame. I have a message for him!”
”A message?”
”From the highest authority!”
”May I be present at your conference?” she pleaded eagerly.
”By all means, Madame. Stay and hear my announcement. He cannot refuse me.”
Lee sought at once to put Blair at ease on his mission.
”From my sister's remark a moment ago, I may guess the purpose of your coming, Mr. Blair?”
His guest surveyed Lee with an expression of deep pleasure in the unfolding of his message.
”In part, yes, you may have guessed my purpose. But I have something to say that even your keen mind has not surmised--”
”I am honored, sir, in your call and I shall be glad to hear you.”
Blair drew himself erect as if on military duty.
”Colonel Lee, I have come after a conference with President Lincoln, to ask you to throw the power of your great name into this fight now to put an end to chaos--”
”You have come from the President?”
”Unofficially--”