Well, Madam was scolding away famously.
"Mind that wistaria, Wilson!" says she. "There's not its equal in Westchester County!"
"Yes, yes, Madam," says he, crusty-like. "Why good-morning, Master Dick!"
And there he stood. At the first glance, I saw he looked different. Older and graver.
"What's this, what's this, Richard?" Madam cries. "Neglecting your studies?"
"Studies? Studies?" says he, as quick and sharp as she. "What, is the matter with the people about here? Are you dreaming? Fort Sumter down, the flag insulted, the President calling for seventy-five thousand volunteers, and you talk of studies! I'm going to try to get into the Seventh, and I'm only here to see Elizabeth before I go."
"Nonsense, boy!" says Madam, trembling, though. "We'll see what your father has to say, first."
"My father only wishes he had a dozen sons, ma'am!" he told her, proud as Lucifer. "Lisbet, can I speak with you?"
She went directly to him, and they walked, holding hands, behind the cedar grove. She told me afterward that he just said:
"Will you wait till I come back, Lisbet?"