Stuart extended his hand briskly.
"Goodbye, sir. I hope to see you in Richmond soon—"
Lee's answer was gravely spoken.
"Goodbye, my boy. I honor you in your quick decision, with the clear vision of youth. We, older men, must halt and pray, and feel our way."
With a laugh in his blue eyes Stuart paused at the door half embarrassed at Mrs. Marshall's presence. He waved his hat to the group.
"Well, goodbye, everybody! I'm off to join the Cavalry!"
Outside as he hurried to his horse he waved again.
"Goodbye—!"
There was a moment's painful silence. They listened to the beat of his horse's hoof on the white roadway toward Washington. As the tall soldier listened he heard the roar of the hoofs of coming legions. And a warrior's soul leaped to the saddle. But the soul of the man, of the father and brother uttered a cry of mortal pain. He looked about the hall in a dazed way as if unconscious of the presence of the women of his home.
Mrs. Lee saw his deep anxiety and whispered to Mrs. Marshall.