“Nor received a visitor?”
“No visitor except yourself.”
“Then I have the happiness to be the first to announce the news to you. Vicksburg has capitulated!”
“Vicksburg capitulated!” echoed both Justin and Erminie, in a breath.
“The words are in everybody’s mouth. The stars and stripes are waving from half the windows on the avenue.”
“Oh, Justin, go! go out and learn the particulars, but don’t stay long. I cannot bear you out of my sight long, lest I should wake up and find your return all a dream,” urged Erminie.
And Justin, snatching up his hat and gloves, departed.
And Britomarte and Erminie were left together for a long tête-à-tête. Erminie took Britomarte up into her own bedchamber, and they sat down to talk. What need to relate their conversation? To do it would be to repeat all that is already known to the reader of what happened to each during their long separation. To Britomarte Erminie told the same story that she had told to Justin, and by her was comforted with the same tender sympathy she had received from him. And Britomarte answered all Erminie’s questions concerning the voyage, the wreck, the rescue, the life on the Desert Island, the deliverance from the place, the cruise of the Xyphias, the sea fight, the capture of the privateer, and the voyage home.
CHAPTER II.
THE VETERAN’S RETURN.
Siward—Had he his hurts before?