"No, Captain Decatur. The Caroline has been renamed the Bertha, and two days ago the alteration was made in the log."
"Glad to hear it. But I'd like you to come over to my ship, and I'd marry you over again. Nay, no excuses; I insist."
"If you really insist, uncle, I shall appeal to my husband."
"Come, the boat is ready, and I want you tied so tight to this fellow that he cannot run away if he wanted to."
To humor the captain, Tempest and Bertha were taken on board the United States, where they were again married according to the laws governing the navy.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
THE BALL AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
The Capital had gathered there
Her beauty and her chivalry; and bright
The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;
A thousand hearts beat happily; and when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell.