His clear voice called:
"Don't put 'im up, boy!"
Mary's heart began to pound. She knew he would be galloping down the white graveled way again in a few minutes. His next order confirmed her fear.
"Just give him some water!"
"Yassah!"
The two women stood huddled close in tense anxiety.
Lee hurried down the stairs and met Stuart at the door. Before the familiarity of a handshake or word of welcome he asked:
"What news, Lieutenant?"
Stuart spoke with deep emotion. On every word the man and the woman hung breathlessly.
"It has come, sir. Virginia has answered to the President's call to send troops against her own people. She has sacrificed all save honor. The vote of the Convention was overwhelming. She has withdrawn from the Union—"