In a few moments Col. —— entered the parlor, looked around, recognized Captain Neville, and greeted him with:
"Ah, Neville! delighted to see you! Mrs. Neville, of course! I remember you well, madam! And this young lady your daughter, I presume?" he added, turning from the elders to shake hands with Corona.
"No; not our daughter, I wish she were; but our young friend, Mrs. Rothsay, who is going with us to Farthermost," Captain Neville explained.
"To join her husband! One of the new set of officers turned out by the Academy! Happy man!" exclaimed the colonel, warmly shaking Corona's hand.
"No, sir; Mrs. Rothsay is a widow. She goes out to join her only brother, Lieutenant Haught!" the captain again explained, in a low and faintly reproachful tone.
"Oh! ah! I beg pardon, I am sure. The mistake was absurd," said the colonel, with a penitent air.
"When did you leave Washington?"
"A week ago to-day; but the boats were slow."
"Pleasant journey, I hope?"
"Oh, yes, so far."