“Becky and I strolled down toward the stables, but it was too dark to inspect the thoroughbreds I had heard so much about, so we returned to the house.
“As we passed the great barn we saw men busily engaged in packing all kinds of produce and supplies in long hemp sacks to be carted to Nashville the following day. In the sewing room the ladies were still plying needles that flashed in and out as if speed would save a life.
“At eight o’clock a hot supper was served, and at nine the neighbors left for their homes.
“That night, after we retired to our rooms, Rebecca came into my room for a cozy chat. She looked very pretty as she sat on the corner of the bed hugging her knees up in her arms.
“‘Selina, it’s a shame you are dragged into such a vacation! I declare, had I known that all of the boys were away, nothing would have tempted me to bring you. Even the girls are too busy sewing for their sweethearts to bother with parties or sociables,’ pouted Rebecca.
“‘I came to visit you—not to see the boys or go to parties, and I want you to believe that I don’t mind a bit having you all to myself,’ I said.
“‘You’re a good little mouse to say that, but, all the same, I will trot you all over the country on our saddle horses. You will have plenty of fresh air, and that is what Miss Wyland said you needed for your paleness,’ replied Becky.
“Rebecca kissed me good-night, but I felt ill at ease in that Southern home for being one of the ‘detested Yankees.’ Never, by word or sign, was such a thought given out, but I felt that everyone would have been more at ease had I never come.
“Every other afternoon Mr. Crudup went to Nashville with a load of bags for the commissary department. One afternoon, about a week after our arrival, he came back from the city earlier than usual and we noticed a troubled look on his face.
“‘How now, father?’ asked sweet Mrs. Crudup.