With these words, Stuart dismissed the whole subject, turned to his desk, and in a moment was busy at his official writing.


VII. — THE BALL BEFORE THE BATTLE.

On the same evening I was riding with Stuart toward Culpeper Court-House.

“Do you know where we are going, Surry?” he said, with a laugh.

“I can guess, I think.”

“Try.”

“To the ball given by the young officers to the Charlottesville belles tonight.”

“You are wrong, old fellow. I don’t dare to go there.”