Another and younger man with his arm in a sling asked, "Are they only cavalry?"
"No, General Ewell is in command. There are infantry."
"Where is Lee?"
"I don't make that out." They went away one by one, sharing the uneasiness felt in the great cities.
Leila called out, "Any letters, Mrs. Crocker? This is bad news."
"Here's one for you—it came in a letter to me. I was to give it to you alone."
Leila tore it open and read it. "Any bad news, Leila?"
"Yes, Uncle James is with the army. I should not have told you. General Meade is in command. Aunt Ann is not to know. There will be a battle—after that he will write—after it. Please not to mention where Uncle Jim is. When is your nephew to be buried—at the mills?"
"At eleven to-morrow."
"I shall be there. Aunt Ann will send flowers. Poor boy! he has lingered long."