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In Westways, as elsewhere, the call of the people's President for three hundred thousand men was felt the more thoughtfully because now it was, of course, known that Penhallow was Colonel of the 129th Infantry; that he had made a great sacrifice of money was also known, but not understood, and Ann Penhallow's half-forgotten politics were again discussed when the village evening parliament met in front of the post-office.
Christmas was a disappointment to Leila and to him. There was an outbreak of measles at Westways and there would be no carols, nor children gathered at Grey Pine. Ann's usual bounty of toys was sent to the village. John's present from his uncle was a pair of skates, and then Leila saw a delightful chance to add another branch of education.
"Yours always and in all ways, She did not like, but John heard all about this visit when the Squire came home. The winter of 1856-7 went by without other incident at Westways, with Mrs. Ann's usual bountiful Christmas gifts to the children at the mills and Westways. Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated in March.
"Why, Uncle Jim, I wouldn't swim if John wasn't allowed too; I just couldn't. I'm going to bed but, please, don't let Pat ride Dixy." "I can attend to my stables, Miss Grey. John won't die of heat for want of a swim. You don't seem to concern yourself with those equally overbaked young scamps in Westways." "Uncle Jim, you're just real mean to-night.
"Now, John, you hate this affair, and so do I; but the Westways people think it great fun, and in the last few years they have had very little." "Ni moi non plus, Mademoiselle Grey." "Yes, yes," she said, "I know, John, but make it go make it gay, John. It will soon be over." "I will try."
As to the killed, none are from Westways. At Antietam we were with the reserve, which I thought should have been used and was not. It was an attack on an interior line as seems always to be our luck. McClellan will follow Lee, of course. My regiment is to be with the Sixth Corps, but I was ordered by the Secretary of War to report to him in Washington. It is disgusting! But orders are orders.
"Well, Billy, glad to see you," said Penhallow, as he settled himself in the saddle. "All well at Grey Pine?" "Yes, sir." The Squire was in high good-humour on having made two good contracts for iron rails. "How are politics, Billy?" "Don't know, sir." "Anything new at Westways?" "Yes, sir," replied Billy with emphasis. "Well, what is it?" "Josiah's run away." "Run away! Why?"
I write this to thank you for all you done for me at Westways. Mr. Grey he met me here on the beach and I'm afraid I don't take no chances. I saved money here. I can get on anywhere. It's awful to have to ran away, and that drunkard Peter Lamb all the while safe with his mother. I can't get him out of my mind. I'm a Christian man and I tried to forgive him. I can't do it.
John too was asking questions and beginning now and then to wonder more and more that what Westways discussed should never be mentioned at Grey Pine. He rode Dixy early in the mornings with Leila at his side, fished or swam in the afternoons, and so the days ran on. On September 30th, Ann was to take Leila to the school in Maryland.
You and I, Rivers, know every one in Westways. Can you think of any one with malice enough to make him want to bum a house and risk the possibility of murder?" Rivers turned his lean pale face toward the Squire, unwilling to speak out what was in the minds of both men. John listened, looking from one serious face to the other.
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