His face had its usual
serious cast, but tinged now with melancholy. Harry knew that he no
longer saw the tent and those around him. His mind dwelled for a few
moments upon his own family and the ancient home that he had loved so
well.
The interval was very brief. He was back in the present, and the
principal generals for whom he had sent were entering the tent. Hill,
Longstreet, Ewell, Stuart and others came, but they did not stay long.
They talked earnestly with their leader for a little while, and then
every one departed to lead his brigades.
The secretaries put away pen, ink and paper. Twilight was advancing in
the east and night suddenly fell outside. The songs ceased, the bands
played no more, and there was only the deep rumble of marching men and
moving cannon.
"We'll ride now, gentlemen," said Lee to his staff.
Traveller, saddled and bridled, was waiting and the commander-in-chief
sprang into the saddle with all the agility of a young man. The others
mounted, too, Harry and Dalton as usual taking their places modestly in
the rear.
A regiment, small in numbers but famous throughout the army for valor,
was just passing, and its colonel and its lieutenant-colonel, erect men,
riding splendidly, but gray like Lee, drew their swords and gave the
proud and flashing salute of the saber as they went by.
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