Mr. Tayloe was the leading spirit of the place, and no better-drilled body of cavalry entered the service than the “Rockland Home Guards” under his command, with Bobbie as his first lieutenant and Dr. Trevillian as surgeon. “Grey Cliffs” was to be closed, with only the servants in their quarters, to take charge of the place as long as they proved faithful, and Dorothy was established with Bobbie’s mother. Her aunt had left for the city, where, she said sadly, she knew there would be plenty to do after awhile, and soon the beautiful old home had a dreary, deserted look, for the shadow of coming sorrow was hovering over it. Bobbie had begged hard to be married before he should start for what might perhaps be an interminable absence, but Dr. Trevillian was firm in his refusal for a year longer at least. “I am giving you the light of my life, Bobbie,” he said, putting his hand on the young man’s shoulder, as he stood pleading his cause, just two days before they received orders to join H.’s regiment at C—, “and you must wait, my man, until she is a little older—she is so young yet! Perhaps”—he cleared his throat and went on after a minute—“perhaps, after I leave here, I may never come back; but remember always, that my daughter’s happiness is in your power, and that I put into your hands the most sacred trust one man can give another. I charge you to guard it well.” Bobbie bared his head as a knight of old. “So help me God,” he said reverently, “I shall be worthy of it.” They shook hands in silence and separated. It was the night before they were to start. Mr. Tayloe and his wife were shut in their room. The Doctor was in the library writing some final directions to be sent over to “Grey Cliffs,” and Bobbie and Dorothy were out on the lawn, under the old wishing-tree down by the gate. Every preparation for departure had been made, and the start was to occur at five the next morning. Peter Black was in an ecstasy of delight because he was to accompany his young master as his body-servant, and Sallie Tom was in the depths of stern and silent indignation and despair at the turn affairs had taken. She now had her son down in the cabin for final admonitions as to the duties and obligations resting upon him, and for renewed charges that no matter where they might be, in case anything happened to the young master, he was to bring him home, if possible; if not, he was to come himself and tell her that she might go to him.