"They say he gambles on horse races," she thought. "And I have heard that the plantation is heavily mortgaged. Perhaps he wishes to marry Marion only for the money she may bring him. And then it is not right for him to remain around here when other men are at the front, serving their country's flag."
She remained in the garden for some time, and was on the point of moving for the house when she saw Old Ben approaching with Dr. Mackey.
"A stranger—and dressed in the uniform of a Confederate," she said, half aloud. "What can he wish here?"
"Good-afternoon, missus," said Old Ben, removing his hat. "Here am a gen'man as wishes to see yo'," and he bowed low.
"To see me?" said Mrs. Ruthven.
"Yes, madam," replied the doctor. "Permit me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Mackey, a surgeon attached to the Fifth Virginia regiment," and he bowed gravely.
"I am happy to make the acquaintance of an officer in our army, sir," replied Mrs. Ruthven, and held out her hand.
"I understand the late Colonel Ruthven was also of our army, and died at a gallant charge on the field of Gettysburg," continued the doctor, as he shook hands.
"You have been correctly informed, doctor."
"De doctor brings most important information, missus," put in old Ben, who was almost exploding to tell what he knew.