"He is chaplain in a regiment near Richmond, and said he would see us both this morning. Was Russell here last night?"
"Russell? No. Why do you ask? Is he in the city? Have you seen him?"
She rose quickly, laid her hand on Irene's, and looked searchingly at her.
"I have not seen him, but your cousin Harvey mentioned that Colonel Aubrey came up with him, on some very important errand, and had but a few hours to remain. I will get my shawl and join you in five minutes. Electra, you must stay at home and rest for a day or two; you are feverish, and worn out with constant watching."
CHAPTER XXXIV
MORTALLY WOUNDED
"It is a mercy that she is delirious; otherwise her unavoidable excitement and anxiety would probably prove fatal. She is very ill, of course; but, with careful nursing, I think you have little to apprehend. Above all things, Irene, suffer nobody to bolt into that room with the news—keep her as quiet as possible. I have perfect confidence in Whitmore's skill; he will do all that I could, though I would not leave her if I did not feel it my duty to hurry to the battlefield. Queen, you look weary; but it is not strange, after all that you have passed through."
"Doctor, when will you start?"
"In twenty minutes."