“Is it aught concerning my boy?” exclaimed the excited quartermaster.
“Yes—William is alive and well; and of that an old friend of his, who stopped just now at the Lion, will give you presently, a full assurance.”
“Heaven, I thank thee!” said the old man, as he reverently raised his eyes, and poured the brief offering of gratitude warmly from a surcharged heart.
“Don’t be surprised at—”
“His return!” exclaimed the other female. “Is he come home? Betsey—dear Betsey—end this suspense, and make us too, too happy.”
“Certainly,” said the fair hostess, “the sailor aeross the street is very like your brother.”
“Oh! I will fly to him,” exclaimed the old man’s daughter, as she rushed towards the door—but in the passage her farther progress was arrested—a man clasped her in his lusty embrace, and covered her lips with kisses.
“William, dear William—”
“Julia—my darling sister.”
“Said I not truly,” observed the pretty hostess, “that I brought you joyous news?”