“When you left us you wore a captain’s straps; now you wear the colonel’s eagle,” said Erminie, proudly.
“Yes, dear sister; and my greatest pride in wearing them is that they give you pleasure.”
“You will have a general’s star before long.”
“I will try to earn them for your sake, sweet sister.”
“Have you seen much of Britomarte?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Do you know where she lives, what she does?”
“She has told me nothing, dear, of her residence or occupation. She keeps her secret,” answered Justin, rather evasively.
But Erminie was not extreme to mark the flaws in his reply. She started another subject.
“Justin,” she said, “I am sure our dear father lives.”