The fighting continued throughout the day, and at dusk a heavy rain
came on. We were all tired and hungry--the general no less so than his
staff--and when an invitation was sent to us by a gentleman near
Bucklands, to come and sup with him, we accepted it with fervor, and
hastened toward the friendly mansion.
A delightful reception awaited us. The house was full of young ladies,
passionately devoted to "rebels," and we were greeted with an
enthusiasm which passed all bounds. Delicate hands pressed our own;
bright eyes beamed upon us; rosy lips smiled; musical voices said
"welcome!"--and soon a savory odor, pervading the mansion, indicated
that the wants of the inner man were not forgotten.
An excellent supper was plainly in preparation for the bold Stuart and
his military family; and that gay and gallant cavalier, General Fitz
Lee having also been invited, the joy of the occasion was complete! The
house rang with clashing heels, rattling sabres, and clanking spurs. A
more charming sound still, however, was that made by jingling keys and
rattling china, and knives and forks. All was joy and uproar: jests,
compliments and laughter. Young ladies went and came; the odors grew
more inviting. In ten minutes the door of a large apartment opposite
the drawing-room was thrown open, and a magnificent, an enthralling
spectacle was revealed to every eye.
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