Part 75 (1/2)
Blair spoke with despair.
”This is your final decision?”
”Final.”
The messenger slipped close to Lee and spoke hurriedly.
”I came by special train, sir--an engine and coach. They wait you on a siding just outside of town. We're afraid the line may be cut. The Northern troops are bivouacing on the Capitol hill. They may stop us.
We've no time to lose. I hope you can come at once.”
The messenger walked quickly through the door and seized his horse's reins.
Lee turned to Blair.
”Troops are on the Capitol Hill?”
”A regiment of Pennsylvanians has just arrived, I believe.”
Sam had edged through the door and stood smiling at his old master. The Colonel had not seen him to this moment.
”You here, Sam?” he said with feeling.
”Ya.s.sah. I come home ter stan' by you, Ma.r.s.e Robert.”
”Saddle my horse, you can go with me!”
”Ya.s.sah. Thankee, sah!”
”Bring Sid to fetch our horses back from the train.”
”Ya.s.sah, glory hallelujah!” Sam shouted as he darted for the stable.
The anxious mother, praying in her room upstairs, heard Sam's shout and hurried down with Mary. The other children happily were on the Pamunkey at the home of Custis.
The mother's heart was pounding. There was war in Sam's shout. She felt its savage thrill. She gripped herself for the ordeal. There should be no vain regrets, no foolish words. Her soul rose in the glory of sacrificial love.
”What is it, my dear?” she asked softly.
”I go to Richmond immediately. Northern troops are pouring into Was.h.i.+ngton. Send my things to me if you can.”
His eyes wandered about the room he loved. He would never see it again.
He felt this in his inmost soul. It would be but the work of an hour for the troops to sweep across the bridge, sack its rooms and leave its beautiful lawn a sodden waste.
The wife saw the anguish in his gaze and her words rang with exaltation.
”Then it is G.o.d's will. And I shall try to smile. You have reached this decision in deepest thought and prayer. And I know that you are right!”
Lee took her in his arms and held her in silence. Those who saw, wept.