The air was very keen indeed now. A bitterly cold night it would be. The tender heart went out to the thousands on "tented field," and prayed for peace, that they might return to warm, pleasant firesides.
Aunt Ruth ran down stairs as she saw them coming.
"Let Freddy take the horses," she said. "A telegram has come for you, and it may be important."
Freddy was elated with the permission. He was indulged now and then with short drives, but, being rather anxious to display his skill, he was sometimes quite venturesome.
Kathie drew a long, anxious breath. As was natural, her first thought was for Rob.
An expression serious almost to pain crossed Uncle Robert's face.
"Sad tidings for the close of our happy day," he said. "I am summoned to Alexandria immediately. Mr. Meredith—" Then he handed the slip of paper to Kathie.
Mr. Meredith had been severely wounded, and sent to the hospital at Alexandria, whether fatally or not the message did not state.
"The express train goes through at six," Uncle Robert said, "and in this case there is no time to be lost."