“‘Yes, child. And I’m mighty sorry to say that most of your friends and cousins are with them. Some will nevah return—but we are prayin’ constant, that our boys will win honahs for the South—and come home to enjoy them.’
“Becky and I sat as stiff as sticks as we realized what this meant.
“‘Still, I don’t see why some of our carriage horses couldn’t have come for us!’ insisted Rebecca.
“‘The horses have been used by some of the boys who had none, and the spring wagon has to come in often with supplies for the troops. This happened to be one of the days. So mothaw thought her girl would not mind, particularly as we believed you received the telegram,’ explained Mr. Crudup.
“I was almost sorry I had come, so unexpected did my appearance seem to be, but Becky cheered up when she saw me grow uncomfortable, and tried to amuse me by pointing out neighboring plantations.
“As we drove about a bend in the road, Rebecca’s beautiful old home could be seen situated upon a knoll that commanded a view of the surrounding country. We entered the grounds by a road that ran through a dense wood, and then ascended gradually until we reached the porte-cochère. The house itself, large, solid and in perfect condition, was a landmark from every point of view round-about.
“Mrs. Crudup and her two older daughters welcomed me to their home and made me feel more at ease. Rebecca, being the youngest member of the family, was petted and made much of, and I came in for my share of it for being her best friend.
“After our baggage was placed in our rooms, we were escorted upstairs and left to prepare for dinner, which was generally at noon, but had been delayed for Rebecca’s arrival.
“My, but that was a delicious dinner! I can almost taste the tender chicken with corn waffles, hot and crisp, this minute!
“Not a word had been said about the reason of calling Rebecca home a week earlier than usual. Toward evening, however, vehicles of all descriptions drove to the side yard and were left to the care of the negro servants. As the neighbors came to the house they went directly to a large room which had been closed and locked since our arrival, until now. Rebecca and I were invited to join the sewing meeting, but neither of us liked sewing, and we had planned to visit the horses before it grew too dark. However, I saw heaps of flannel garments, half-finished socks on knitting needles, warm caps, and clothes of all kinds being made up for the Confederate soldiers.