“Oh, he’s so confoundedly proud he’s going to take the afternoon train without seeing you. You see he couldn’t mix in the same social set you would and he’s afraid you’ll be ashamed of his position in life.”
“Ashamed!” exclaimed Ralph indignantly, and then asked determinedly, “Where can I find him, captain?”
“Room 141 Maryland Hotel,” replied the captain.
Murmuring a hasty good-bye Ralph was off like a shot. He was so eager that he broke into a run and in a few minutes he had reached the hotel. Without stopping he ran up-stairs and was soon at a door marked 141. He knocked firmly, and in reply to a voice within saying, “Come in,” he threw open the door. Inside the door stood a tall, vigorous looking man, perhaps about forty-three years old, dressed in blue jacket uniform. As Ralph entered, he instantly recognized the man before him. “Hester!” he cried, “my Uncle George! Oh, I’m so glad. Why didn’t you let me know you were my uncle? I never dreamed it!”
“It isn’t right, Mr. Osborn, that an officer should be related to an enlisted man.”
“Never call me Mr. Osborn, Uncle George,” cried Ralph, “unless I displease you. I’m so happy to have found you. And I’m proud of you; never believe I can have any other sentiment than that of affection and gratitude for you. Your money helped me to get in the Academy and when I was dismissed your money sustained me till I was reinstated.”
Uncle and nephew had a long talk. Ralph found his Uncle George a kindly, high-principled man, his father’s own brother, the nearest person in all the world to him. Hester was indeed proud of his nephew and happy in his final triumph and high standing.
The sun was low in the sky when Hester left his nephew, the two bidding each other most affectionate good-byes.
That night was the great ball, given to the graduating class, the last act of the midshipman’s career at Annapolis. And who are these tall, dignified young officers, in new long-tailed coats, with golden shoulder knots and with golden striped trousers coming toward us? Is it possible they are the short jacketed midshipmen of this morning?