They drew around him, protesting against his making the effort, unless fully equal to it; as another time would do quite as well.
"Thank you all," he said; "but I feel able for the task, and shall enjoy gratifying my nieces and nephews, as well as the older people."
He then proceeded with his narrative; all listening with deep interest.
Among other incidents connected with his prison life, he told of his interview with Jackson, and the poor wretch's death that same night.
Elsie shuddered and turned pale, yet breathed a sigh of relief as she laid her hand in that of her husband, and turned a loving, grateful look upon her father, to meet his eyes fixed upon her with an expression of deep thankfulness, mingled with the sadness and awe inspired by the news of the miscreant's terrible end.
Harold spent the day at his brother's, and availed himself of an opportunity, which offered that afternoon, to have a little private talk with Elsie, in which he delivered Walter's packet, telling her how it came into his hands.
"Dear, dear Walter," she said, weeping, "I have so wanted to know the particulars of his death, and am so thankful to hear that he was a Christian."
"His friend told me he was instantly killed, so was spared much suffering."
"I am thankful for that. I will open this now; you will like to see the contents."
They were a letter from Walter to her, and two photographs—both excellent and striking likenesses; one of her in her bridal robes, the other of himself in his military dress.