The mother's face was uplifted in prayer.
"God's will be done!"
The words came in a bare whisper. And then as if in answer to the cry of her heart she caught new hope and turned to her daughter.
"You know, dear, the first Convention voted against Secession!"
Sam reached the door and met Ben.
"Uncle Ben—he's a comin'—Marse Stuart's horse! I seen him 'way 'cross de ribber fust—des one long, white streak er dust ez fur ez de eye can reach!"
The mother gripped Mary's arm with cruel force. The strain was again more than she could bear.
"Oh, dear, oh, dear, what have they done? What have they done?"
Ben entered the hall holding himself erect with the dignity of one who must bear great sorrows with his people. The mistress called to him weakly:
"Tell Colonel Lee, Ben."