The very first news that met Mr. Force on his entrance into the gentlemen’s reading room was, that the Argente was in the navy yard. She had arrived at dawn that morning.
The squire hastened to the ladies’ parlor to communicate the news to Mrs. Force and the girls.
There was a general exclamation of joy, and then a cry of sharp anxiety from Rosemary:
“Oh! when shall we find out about Roland?” she pleaded.
“This very morning, dear child! No more to-morrows! To-morrow has come!” replied Mrs. Force, with a smile—yet, oh! how wan a smile!
“Come down to breakfast at once. We will get a cup of coffee or something, and then start for the navy yard and go on board the Argente,” said the squire, giving his arm to his wife.
They went down to the saloon and breakfasted as well as they could for the excitement, which took away their appetite.
After that, Mr. Force went out to hunt up a carriage, for there was none on the stand. When he returned, he said:
“My children, I could only get one hack, and it will hold but four persons inside. Your Uncle Enderby does not wish to go out. Therefore, Wynnette and Elva, you will remain here under the protection of your uncle, until we come back. Your mother, your sister, and your little friend will go with me.”
“But where is Uncle Gideon?” inquired Rosemary.