“Can’t see it in that light at all! Long life to all true patriots, both men and women, because, you see, the country needs them all! And now, Minie, you are hardly able to stand. Do let me help you up into your room before that sharp-eyed girl comes back,” said Elfie.
Erminie yielded, and Elfie took her upstairs and persuaded her to lie down on her bed.
“Now, the governor will not be home until the late train gets in; that will not be until eleven o’clock to-night. I will sit up for him and have his oysters and lager beer ready for him; and I will tell him that you are very tired and have gone to bed.”
“Thanks, dear Elfie! And by to-morrow morning I hope to be able to meet my father with some composure,” said Erminie.
“And now what else can I do for you?”
“Nothing, dear girl, but to leave me alone with God.”
Elfrida stooped over her and kissed her, and then softly left the room and closed the door.
The six o’clock dinner that was prepared that day went away from the table untasted. There was no one to partake of it.
Elfie sent out and got some fresh oysters and lager beer for her kind host, and had a neat little table set in the library ready for him when he should come home.
He came in at eleven o’clock.