“Yes; the streets of Washington may run with blood; the houses of Washington smoke in ruins; but on the fourth of March, when Lincoln is expected to take his seat, the Confederate flag shall wave above the Capitol!” he exclaimed, rising in his excitement and pacing the library floor.
“God forbid!” panted Elfie.
Still he was too absorbed in his own subject to hear her. After walking up and down the floor a few times, he came and seated himself by her side, and asked the question:
“Where is your father, Elfie?”
“He went back to Virginia, a few days ago, to look after his interests there.”
“When is he expected to return, my dear?”
“Not until the inauguration day. He wishes to be here then.”
“Do you suppose he knows what is really to take place before that day?”
“I do not suppose he does,” said Elfie.
“No; probably he does not! Certainly he does not! or he would not have left you here exposed to the coming danger! Elfie, my darling! you must not be left here! As soon as I shall have seen Colonel Eastworth, and delivered the dispatches intrusted to me for him, I shall go back to Virginia. And, Elfie, my own girl, you must go with me!”