their rugs and carpets
and sent them to the great camp on the Rappahannock that the soldiers
who had no blankets might use them. The cattle and poultry from the
rich farms were also sent to Lee's men. Virginia sacrificed herself for
the Confederate cause with a devotion that would have brought tears from
a stone.

Some such thoughts as these were in the mind of Stuart as he rode toward
his own camp. There was a mist for a few moments before the eyes of the
great horseman, but as it cleared he became once more his natural self,
the gayest of the gay. He hummed joyously as he rode along, and the
refrain of his song was: "Old Joe Hooker, won't you come out of the
Wilderness?"

Harry and Dalton had gone back to the big mess tent and were already
arraying themselves with the utmost care for Jeb Stuart's ball. Their
clothes were in good condition now. After the long rest they had been
able to brush and furbish up their best uniforms, until they were both
neat and bright. They had no thought of rivalling St. Clair, who
undoubtedly would be there, but they were satisfied--they never expected
to rival St. Clair in that respect. But they were splendid youths, fine,
tall, upstanding, and with frank eyes and tanned faces.

"Will many girls be there?" asked Dalton.

"Of course. They'll come in from all the country around to be at Jeb
Stuart's ball. I wish we could invite a few of the Yankees over to see
what girls we have in Virginia."

"That would be fine, but Hooker wouldn't let 'em, and Lee and Jackson
would certainly disapprove."

Harry and Dalton started at twilight, and on their way they met Captain
Sherburne, who was bound for the same place. The captain was pretty
fond of good dress himself, and he, too, had a new uniform, perhaps not
so bright as St. Clair's, but fine and vivid, nevertheless.

"Well, well," said Harry, as he greeted him heartily. "You've got a lot
of shine about you, but you just watch out for St. Clair. He's sure
to be there, and he has a new uniform straight from Charleston. He's
making the most of it, too. Now may be the time to settle that
sartorial rivalry between you."

"All right," said Sherburne joyously. "I'm ready. Come on."

The house, a large one standing in ample grounds, was already lighted as
brilliantly as time and circumstances afforded. It is true that most
of these lights were of home-made tallow candles, because no other
illumination was to be had, and they m