“And what is your opinion of all this, Colonel?” inquired the doctor.
“I am perplexed beyond measure, and as yet can form no possible opinion. General Eastworth has been in Charleston, South Carolina, for the last twelve months. He is reported to have been killed within the last week. I can make nothing of it.”
“I am not perplexed. I can make something of it. I believe that General Eastworth is in Washington city in disguise, that he has become acquainted with the notorious fact of Erminie’s illness, and also with the less well known facts of the doctor’s frequent night calls, and old Bob’s position in the front hall, to open the front door at all hours, and I believe that he boldly ventured in to see his once betrothed. Bosh! who do you think is a fool? Didn’t I see and hear him with my own eyes and ears? True, I was staggered in my conviction of identity when old Bob insisted that it was the doctor he let in; but now that the doctor says it was not he, I am convinced it was General Eastworth, and that General Eastworth is now in Washington city, as a spy, most likely,” said Elfie, with great positiveness.
“Pray, have you read the morning papers, Miss—I beg your pardon—Mrs. Goldsborough?” emphatically inquired the doctor.
“I have not,” said Elfie; “why?”
“Nor you, colonel?” he next asked of Justin.
“I have glanced over them only. We have all been too much occupied with my sister to read them with much attention or interest,” replied Justin.
“Then probably this little paragraph, concerning the gentleman we have been discussing, has escaped your attention.”
“What is it?” inquired Elfie.
“Read it,” said Justin.