"As we came out of the station and walked toward the carriage-posts, Rebecca looked about for the family equipage.
"Mr. Crudup led us toward a great spring wagon which was drawn by two raw-boned farm horses. An old darky sat on the front seat.
"'Why, father! Surely we are not going home in _this_!' cried Rebecca with deep chagrin.
"'Sorry, daughter, but it must be so,' returned her father in a grieved voice. 'You will find many changes here since the fightin' began.'
"'Selina, I'm awful sorry you have to ride this way, and I can't understand why it is. Father seems to know,' said Becky, in an apologetic tone.
"'I don't mind, Becky. Really and truly, I don't. I love the country so, that I would just as soon ride a plow if we had to, to get to your home.'
"'Well, I'm glad your little friend is so sensible, Rebecca,' commended Mr. Crudup.
"We climbed into the back seat after the baggage had been stowed away, and the horses started off.
"'Father, why didn't you drive Jerry and Jim?' asked Rebecca, wonderingly.
"'Becky, your brothers, I trust, are astride them, showin' the Yankees how to fight!'
"Mr. Crudup looked dreadfully sorry, but said nothing.
"'Yes, child. And I'm mighty sorry to say that most of your friends and cousins are with them. Some will nevah return--but we are prayin' constant, that our boys will win honahs for the South--and come home to enjoy them.'
"Becky and I sat as stiff as sticks as we realized what this meant.
"'Still, I don't see why _some_ of our carriage horses couldn't have come for us!' insisted Rebecca.
"'The horses have been used by some of the boys who had none, and the spring wagon has to come in often with supplies for the troops. This happened to be one of the days. So mothaw thought her girl would not mind, particularly as we believed you received the telegram,' explained Mr. Crudup.
"I was almost sorry I had come, so unexpected did my appearance seem to be, but Becky cheered up when she saw me grow uncomfortable, and tried to amuse me by pointing out neighboring plantations.
"As we drove about a bend in the road, Rebecca's beautiful old home could be seen situated upon a knoll that commanded a view of the surrounding country. We entered the grounds by a road that ran through a dense wood, and then ascended gradually until we reached the porte-cochère. The house itself, large, solid and in perfect condition, was a landmark from every point of view round-about.