95. XCV.
WHICH CONTAINS A VALUABLE MORAL REFLECTION.
The last words of the last chapter are easily explained.
I was a short day's ride from May Beverley, and I could no
longer utter those rebellious words, “I will not look again upon
her face!”
Alas for human resolution! However hard the iron, there is
a fire that will melt it!—however obstinate a man's will, it yields
to the smile of a girl! I had sworn not to go near May Beverley,
and I was hastening to see her once more, as fast as my horse
would carry me!
Moral:—Never trouble yourself by making good resolutions
when the eyes of a woman are mixed up with them!
I had easily procured twenty-four hours' leave of absence from
General Jackson, who evidently was in no haste to leave Millwood;
and setting out with Stuart, who had been joined by
Hampton's Brigade, passed through White Post and Smoketown,
and entered Manassas Gap.
Beyond this gorge in the Blue Ridge was The Oaks, a little
off the track of the advancing enemy.
“Who are you going to see, Surry?” said Stuart, as, having
ridden ahead of the cavalry, we wound along the mountain road
toward Linden.
“Going to see, my dear General?” I echoed. “Why, the manner
in which your cavalry is handled.”
Stuart laughed.
“ `Sweet Evelina! dear Evelina!' ” he sang; “is her name
Evelina, Surry, and where does she live?”
“Pshaw, General! Your suspicion is enormous! But I now
remember there is a friend of mine in his region.”
“Aha! I thought so! I wish I could go with you.”
“She would be delighted to see you. You know all the girls
are crazy to `follow your feather.' ”
“You make me gloomy—to think what I miss. Well,
“If you get there before I do,
Oh! tell her I'm a-coming too!”
And, as we came to a point where we had to separate, Stuart
cried:
“Success to you, Surry, and long may you wave!”
With these words the gay cavalier put spur to his horse, and
galloped on to catch up with Rosser.
I rode on rapidly toward The Oaks, which soon rose before
me, on its wooded hill.
From beyond came the clear crack of carbines, and from time
to time the thunder of Pelham's guns, as he fell back slowly before
the advancing enemy.
