"Don't you think I want to see mamma? You have not told me a word about her; and it is a long time now since I have heard any thing. I do want to go home, and especially I want to see mamma."
"Then you shall see her."
"Is she here, papa?" exclaimed Florry, leaping out of the chair in which she had seated herself.
"She is not here, my child. She is at home, but it will not take many days to bear you to her," replied the devoted father, embracing her again, while she kissed him over and over again.
"Can I see her before the war is over, papa?" she asked.
"Certainly you can, if no accident interferes with my plans. You really want to go home?"
"To be sure I do. How cruel it is of you to ask me such a question!"
"Then I won't ask it again. But perhaps you will not be able to come to Glenfield again for years," added Captain Passford, looking earnestly into her face.
"What makes you look at me so, papa? What have I done? You look just as you did when I was little and pulled the kitten's tail."
"It is a long time since I have seen you, Florry and I want to look at you all I can."