A courier
was holding her fine animal near the general's tent, and as I
dismounted, three figures' appeared in the illuminated doorway. These
were the figures of Stuart, the "gray woman," and a young aid-de-camp.
"Farewell, madam," said Stuart, bowing and laughing; "I am sorry to
have made your acquaintance under circumstances so disagreeable to you;
but I trust you will appreciate the situation, and not blame me."
"Blame you? Not in the least, general. You are a very gallant man."
And the gay words were accompanied by a musical laugh.
"You will have an opportunity of seeing the Confederate capital," said
Stuart, smiling.
The lady made a humorous grimace.
"And of abusing me upon the way thither; and afterward on the route to
Port Monroe and Washington, as you will not be detained, I am sure."
"I shall not abuse you, sir. You are the noblest gentleman I have ever
known."[1]
[Footnote 1: The real words of Stuart's prisoner]
And with mutual salutes they parted--the young aid-de-camp accompanying
the lady to her horse, and aiding her to mount. They then set forward
toward the Court-House. Stuart had ordered the prisoner to be conducted
thither, and detained at the village tavern, under guard, until
morning, when she would be sent to Richmond.
As they disappeared, I entered the general's tent, and found him
laughing.
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