"What would have been the use?" said her aunt in a tone of languid indifference. "It can end in but one way."
A sensation of anger rose dominant in the mind of the girl. It was hard to bear. She broke out into words of passionate resentment—the first revolt. "You think only of your dear South—of your friends—your brother—"
"Leila!"
She was past self-control or other control. "Well, then, be glad Lee is in Pennsylvania—General Ewell has taken York and Hagerstown—there will be a great battle. May God help the right—my country!"
"General Lee," cried Ann; "Lee in Pennsylvania! Then that will end the war. I am glad James is safe in Washington." Leila already self-reproachful, was silent.
To tell her he was with the army of the North would be cruel and was what
James Penhallow had forbidden.
"He is in Washington?" asked Ann anxiously.
"When last I heard, he was in Washington, aunt, and as you know, John is before Vicksburg with General Grant."
"They will never take it—never."
"Perhaps not, Aunt Ann," said Leila, penitent. The younger woman was disinclined to talk and sat quiet, one of the millions who were wondering what the next few days would bring.