The names were barely breathed.
Mary silently kissed her aunt as she turned from her mother. The Colonel's sister raised her eyes and saw Stuart. Her tones were sharp with the ring of a commander giving orders:
"Our army is marching, Lieutenant Stuart! You here in civilian clothes?"
The strong, young body stiffened.
"I have resigned my commission in the United States Army, Mrs.
Marshall—"
Her finger rose in an imperious gesture.
"You will live to regret it, sir!"
Lee frowned and laid his hand on his sister's arm in a gesture of appeal.
"Annie, dear, please."
She regained her poise at the touch of his hand and turned to Mrs. Lee.