Lee closed his eyes as if in prayer.
"On that we are one. Old Virginia, the mother of Presidents and of states, as I leave her soil I humbly pray that God's blessings may ever rest upon her!"
"So say I, sir," Ruffin responded heartily. "And I'll try to do the cussin' for her while you do the praying."
Mrs. Lee entered and handed to her husband a folded document, as Ben came from the kitchen with Sam, who bowed and grinned to every one in the room.
Lee spoke in low tones to his wife.
"Ask the young people to come in for a moment, my dear."
Mrs. Lee crossed quickly to the library door and called:
"Come in, children, Colonel Lee wishes to see you all."
Mary, Stuart, Custis, Phil, Robbie and Sid pressed into the hall in curious, expectant mood. Mrs. Marshall knew that Ruffin was still there, but her curiosity got the better of her aversion. She followed the children, only to run squarely into Ruffin.
He was about to speak in his politest manner when she stiffened and passed him.