"You'll give him the most careful hearing, Robert?"
"I don't know the object of his visit, but I'll gladly see him."
"He's a staunch Union man. He can have but one object in coming!" she cried with elation.
With courtesy Lee met his distinguished visitor at the door and grasped his hand.
"Walk in, Mr. Blair. You know my sister, Mrs. Marshall of Baltimore?"
Blair smiled.
"I am happy to say that Mrs. Marshall and I are the best of friends.
We have often met at the house of my son, Montgomery Blair, of Mr.
Lincoln's Cabinet."
"Let me take your hat, sir," Lee said with an answering smile.
"Thank you."
The Colonel crossed the room to place it on a table.