"The day after Christmas we will select the lockets, and see about the
pictures," said Mrs. Fulton. Before Sylvia could answer there came a tap
at the door, and Aunt Connie, evidently rather anxious and uncertain,
whispered:
"Dar's a lady, Mistress, a lady f'um de fort, an' she say--"
"It must be Mrs. Carleton. I'll go right down," responded Mrs. Fulton,
and, followed by Sylvia, she hurried down the stairs, to find Mrs.
Carleton awaiting them.
"Captain Carleton insisted that I should come to you," she said. "He
feels sure that the Charleston men mean to take Fort Sumter at once.
Major Anderson is sending the women and children away from Fort Moultrie
to places of safety."
"Of course you must stay with us, and we are delighted to have you,"
said Mrs. Fulton. "We want to stay in Charleston unless it becomes
necessary for us to leave."
Mrs. Carleton greeted Sylvia warmly, and, greatly to her surprise, said:
"I have not had the opportunity to thank you, dear child, for delivering
the message safely. We have heard that Mr. Doane has presented the
letter to the President, and Major Anderson is sure that reinforcements
and provisions for the forts will be sent at once." Then turning to Mrs.
Fulton, she continued: "I know this loyal child kept her secret, and
that even you and her father do not realize what a service your little
daughter has rendered to the cause of Freedom!"
Mrs. Fulton was looking at her visitor in amazement.
"Sylvia! Message! Secret?" she exclaimed in such a puzzled tone that
both Mrs.
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