But Shepard was gone, and Harry had expected that, too.
He did not intend to hunt for him any further, because he was sure not to find him.
The brilliant spirit of the ball suddenly departed from him, and as he and de Langeais went back toward the house it was the stern call of war that came again.

The deep boom of a cannon rolled from a point on the Rappahannock, and Harry was not the only one who felt the chill of its note.

The dancing stopped for a few moments.

Then the gloom passed away, and it was resumed in all its vigor.
But Stuart came out on the porch and Harry and de Langeais halted, because they heard the hoofs of a galloping horse.

The man who came was in the dress of a civilian, and he brought a message..