As Ben passed out the door, Lee continued:
"I will not say one word to influence my three sons. I will not even write to them. They must fight this battle out alone, as I am fighting it out to-day."
His sister smiled wanly.
"Your sons will follow you, Robert. And so will thousands of the best men in Virginia. Your responsibility is terrible."
Ben announced from the door.
"Mr. Francis Preston Blair, ter see you, sir."
Lee waved the butler from the room.
"I'll receive him, Ben. You can go."
"Thank God!" Mrs. Marshall breathed. "He's the most influential man in Washington. He is in close touch with the President, and he is a Southerner—"
She looked at her brother pleadingly.