He crossed the yard or two of turf to the black horse, and stood beside the rider.
"You wished me, sir ?" "I wish to know if you will be so good as to come to Monticello to-night?
After nine the house will be quiet." "Certainly I will come, sir." "I will look for you then." He bowed slightly and gathered up his reins.

Rand stood back, and with a "Good-afternoon to you all, gentlemen," the President wheeled his horse and rode down the street towards his mountain home.

The crowd about the post-office received its mail and melted away to town house and country house, to supper at both, and to a review, cheerful or acrimonious, of the events of the day, including the fact that, as far as appearances went, Lewis Rand was yet the President's staff and confidant.

The Churchills and Fairfax Cary rode away together.

In passing, the latter just bent his head to Rand, but Colonel Dick and Major Edward sat like adamant.