meanor in levying war with Spain--a
misdemeanor which, if proved, could entail only imprisonment--was an
infinitely less affair than a prosecution for high treason, with the
penalty of an ignominious death suspended like a sword of Damocles. The
little world in Richmond felt the subsidence of excitement, realized how
warm and dusty was the town, and began to think of its plantations and
of country business. Witnesses and visitors of note took the homeward
road. The Swan, the Eagle, the Bell, the Indian Queen, crowded all the
summer, saw their patrons depart by stage, by boat, in coach and chaise,
and on horseback. Many private houses were closed, and the quiet of the
doldrums fell upon the place.

Jacqueline and Unity had been ten days in Albemarle. The two Carys, a
servant behind them with their portmanteaus, rode away from the Swan on
the first day of September. It was understood between the brothers that
they were to make all haste to Greenwood. But there were houses on the
way where kinsmen and friends might be trusted to do what they could to
detain the two. Both were anxious to be at home--Fairfax the more eager,
as was natural. The marriage was set for the middle of the month. As
they rode out of town he had begun with, "I'll see her in four days,"
and the next morning, passing through the gates of the plantation where
they had slept, he had irrelevantly remarked, "Now it is but three." The
elder brother laughed and wished him Houssain's carpet.

Throughout the day they rode as rapidly as the heat permitted, but when
at dusk they were captured by a kinsman with a charming wife and a bevy
of pretty daughters, it was evident that they would not resume the road
at dawn. It was noon, indeed, before they unclasped all these tendrils
and pursued their journey, and at sunset another plantation put out a
detaining hand. Fairfax Cary swore with impatience. The other laughed
again, but when, late next morning, they got away with a message called
to them from the porch, "You'll be at Elm Tree this afternoon. Tell
Cousin William--" he looked kindly at his junior's vexed face and
proposed a division of forces.

"We can't neglect Elm Tree, and then there's Cherry Hill and Malplaquet
still before us. Why shouldn't you just speak to them at Elm Tree, then
ride on to the inn at Deer Lick and sleep there to-night? You could
start with the first light, ride around Cherry Hill, and give Malplaquet
the slip. I'll make your excuses