The Doctor made a sign; the maid withdrew; and I pressed a little closer to Mercer, and pinched his arm.
“I’ll take my share,” I whispered quietly, as the door was opened. The Doctor and the General both rose, as there was the rustle of silk, and I uttered quite a sob as I was clasped in my mother’s arms.
“My dearest boy,” she cried, as she kissed me fondly, while I shrank away, for my stern-looking, military uncle came in with her.
“Why, Charley!” roared the General.
“What, Hawk!” cried my uncle boisterously, and the two old officers grasped each other’s hands, and stood shaking them heartily.
“Why, my dear old man,” cried the General, “this is a surprise!”
“Surprise! I should think it is,” cried my uncle. “I am delighted. Like old times, eh?”
“Hah!” ejaculated the General, chuckling, and looking now transformed into a very genial old gentleman, while the Doctor stood softly stroking his shirt-frill and smiling benignantly.
“But one moment,” cried my uncle. “My sister—poor old Frank Burr’s wife.”
“Dear, dear, bless me!” cried the General, advancing with courtly, chivalric respect to shake hands with my mother. “My dear madam,” he said softly, “it is an honour. I knew your poor husband well.”