CHAPTER V
After dinner, Jeb Stuart succeeded in separating Mary from Phil and began again his adoration. The men adjourned to the library to discuss the Presidential Campaign and weigh the chances of General Scott against Franklin Pierce. The comment of Toombs was grim in its sarcasm and early let him out of the discussion.
"It doesn't matter in the least, gentlemen, who is elected in November," he observed. "There's nothing before the country as yet. Not even an honest-to-God man."
Lee shook his head gravely.
Toombs parried his protest.
"I know, Colonel Lee, you're fond of the old General. You fought with him in Mexico. But—" he dropped his voice to a friendly whisper—"all the same, you know that what I say is true."
He took a cigar from the mantel, lighted it and waved to the group.
"I'll take a little stroll and smoke."
Custis took Phil to the cottage of the foreman to see a night school in session.
"You mean the overseer's place?" Phil asked eagerly, as visions of Simon
Legree flashed through his mind.