“Ye-es,” said Jeanne, “I know that it ought to be. It says so in my copy-book. But I thought that it would be so different.”
“It would be a fine thing if all our acts would receive approbation,” remarked General Butler. “Brass bands and calcium lights are things that human nature craves for deeds well done, but they are seldom given. That is, until one dies.”
“Don’t be cynical, General,” laughed Farragut. “The child will find it out soon enough.”
“Yes; I suppose so,” replied Butler. “Didn’t you say something about an uncle, Admiral?”
“Yes; that is the next thing in order. She is to stay with him until her father tells her to return. Her uncle is Benjamin Vance.”
“Whe-ew,” whistled the General an expression of blank amazement on his face. “Did you say Benjamin Vance?”
“Certainly. Do you know him?”
“I do,” replied the General emphatically. “And this girl is his niece, and she brings papers down here to Archer? It is about the boldest thing I ever heard of!”
“Why! What do you mean?”
“I’ll tell you presently. Come here, girl. Do you hear often from your uncle?” he asked as Jeanne approached.