“Completely. They are by this time on the other side of the Rappahannock.” With these words, Stuart dismissed the whole subject, turned to his desk, and in a moment was busy at his official writing. VII. THE BALL BEFORE THE BATTLE. On the same evening I was riding with Stuart toward Culpeper Court-House. “Do you know where we are going, Surry?” he said, with a laugh. “I can guess, I think.” “Try.” “To the ball given by the young officers to the Charlottesville belles tonight.” “You are wrong, old fellow. I don’t dare to go there.” “Don’t dare?” “Well, that is the word,” he replied; “I am not afraid of the Yankees, but I am of gossips--above all, of the valorous correspondents of the newspapers.” “I begin to understand now.” “They are dangerous.” “Yes.” Stuart cantered on, playing with his glove as usual. “Think of Messieurs the bomb-proof critics!” he laughed. “They already say I reviewed the cavalry with a wreath of flowers around my horse’s neck.” “Is it possible?” “They say so everywhere; and I will tell you the foundation for the charge. In passing through the Court-House on the morning of the review, a young lady friend of mine ran out from her house and threw a wreath over the neck of my horse. Well, I think it is something to be courteous in this world. I did not throw it off. I thanked her, rode on, and only removed it when I got out of sight. Meeting General Lee, I told him of it, laughing, and he said, with a smile: ‘Why did you not wear it?’ [1] I might as well have done so, Surry, for you see I have the credit of it. Why try to be temperate, and pure, and soldierly? I am a drunkard, a libertine, and a popinjay! But I care nothing. I intend to do my duty, old fellow, and the next few days will probably show if I can fight.” [Footnote 1: Fact.] With which words Stuart broke into a song, cantered on more rapidly, and passing without drawing rein through the Court-House, soon reached General Lee’s head-quarters on an eminence beyond. Here he remained for an hour, in private interview with the commander-in-chief. Finally, they came out together. General Lee in his plain uniform, with that sedate dignity of bearing which made the gray old cavalier so superb. I had the honor to receive his salute, and to press his hand, and then I set out with General Stuart for Fleetwood. In passing through the Court-House we observed the windows of a large building all ablaze with lights, and heard the merry notes of music. Stuart drew rein. “I think I will drop in for a few minutes, in spite of every thing!” he said. “See the end of all my excellent resolutions, Surry!” And rapidly dismounting, Stuart entered the ball-room. I followed.