"My next boy Drury, sir. He ain't but fourteen but he's a grown man."
Drury flushed red but failed to make a sound.
When they had moved away and leaned against the fence watching the scene out of the corner of an eye, the mother turned to the Colonel and asked:
"Do you blame me if I'm proud of my boys, Colonel?"
"I do not, Madame."
"The Lord made me a mother. All I know is to raise fine children and love 'em. My little gals is putty as dolls."
John suddenly appeared beside her and pulled her skirt.
"What's the matter?" she whispered.
"Pa's waked up. I told him Colonel Lee's here and he's washed his face and walks straight. Shall I fetch him out, too?"
"Yes, run tell him to come quick."