"No offence, sir," put in Barron, quickly. "I merely repeated a remark said to have been made quite often in the society at court--a remark expressing doubt in the mind of the person making it, without reflecting in any manner upon the sincerity of the person telling of the supposed event." "At any rate, you certainly will allow us time to collect my people and attend to my scattered property. Also, you will allow us to make what necessary changes in our personal attire we see fit?" I asked. "Certainly, sir," replied the officer, "the frigate will anchor for the night in the broad reach a few miles below the bend, and you shall have plenty of time, not only to pack your effects, but to send for whatever relatives you wish to accompany you. The men, meanwhile, can collect your slaves and send them on ahead of us." "We shall make our preparations," I answered shortly, and then I led the way into the Hall. CHAPTER VIII My first care was for my boy Sam, and after he had been properly cared for, he was carried aboard the small boat and made comfortable. While we were changing our clothes, Will and I had a chance to discuss matters privately and decide what had best be done. Knowing my sister's fondness for Berkley Harrison, I conceived the idea very readily that she had consented to go with him and marry him at the first convenient opportunity. Will declared that he would soon hear this consent expressed from her own lips, and that he would feel more relieved after hearing it. God alone knows what the poor fellow's thoughts were, and what hope still lingered within his breast. As for myself, my duty appeared now to lay first with my poor mother--and Miss Carter. My sister was off with the man she apparently loved, and nothing worse could happen to her than what had already occurred. I believed Harrison to be a gentleman and honorable in his dealings, although I did not agree with him in his political ideas and views. Barron decided, positively, to accompany me and openly hinted that Williamsburg was the place he hoped to reach as soon as he helped me straighten out matters at the Hall. "I will join you there also, as soon as I find my services are not needed at Norfolk," said Will. "Then we will leave you here with Mr. Johnson," I said. "As soon as he gets tired of waiting for Barron and myself, you can go with him and join Dunmore, and meet us later with the forces under Colonel Henry." While we were discussing our affairs, we were changing our shooting clothes for more suitable garments, and we were quite alone.