Part 11 (1/2)
By a gesture she stopped him, as she continued: ”I recognized the expression on papa's face and yours the moment I saw you, and I know what it means.”
”Yes, Miss Marian; and I recognize the expression on your face.
Were you a man you would have gone before this.”
”I think it would be easier to go than to stay and think of all one's friends must face.”
”Of course it would be for one like you. You must not look on the dark side, however. You will scarcely find a jollier set of men than our soldiers.”
”I fear too many are reckless. This you have promised me not to be.”
”I shall keep my promise; but a soldier must obey orders, you know.
O Miss Marian, it makes such a difference with me to know that you care so much! Knowing you as I do now, it would seem like black treason to do or be anything unmanly.”
Callers were now announced, and before an hour had pa.s.sed there were half a dozen or more young men in the drawing-room. Some were staying at the hotel, but the majority were from the villas in the neighborhood, the holiday season permitting the return of those in business. However dark and crimson might be the tide of thought that flowed through the minds of those present, in memory of what had occurred during the last few days, the light of mirth played on the surface. The times afforded themes for jest, rather than doleful predictions. Indeed, in accordance with a principle in human nature, there was a tendency to disguise feelings and anxiety by words so light as to border on recklessness. Questions as to future action were coming home to all the young men, but not for the world would they permit one another, or especially a spirited young girl, to suspect that they were awed, or made more serious even, by the thought that the battle was drawing nearer to them. Lane was a leader in the gayety. His presence was regarded by some with both surprise and surmise. It had been thought that he had disappeared finally below Miss Vosburgh's horizon, but his animated face and manner gave no indication of a rejected and despondent suitor.
The mirth was at its height when Strahan entered, dressed plainly in the uniform of a second lieutenant. He was greeted with a shout of laughter by the young men, who knew him well, and by a cordial pressure from Marian's hand. This made the gauntlet which he knew he must run of little consequence to him. All except Lane drew up and gave him a military salute.
”Pretty fair for the awkward squad,” he remarked, coolly.
”Come, report, report,” cried several voices; ”where have you been?”
”In Virginia.”
”Why, of course, fellows, he's been arranging the change of base with McClellan, only the army went south and he came north.”
”I've been farther south than any of you.”
”See here, Strahan, this uniform is rather new for a veteran's.”
”Yes; never dealt in old clothes.”
”Where's your command?”
”Here, if you'll all enlist. I think I could make soldiers of some of you.”
”Why, fellows, what a chance for us! If Strahan can't teach us the etiquette of war, who can?”
”Yes, gentlemen; and I will give you the first rule in advance.
Always face the music.”
”Dance music, you mean. Strahan has been at West Point and knows that a fellow in civilian togs stands no chance. How he eclipses us all to-night with the insignia of rank on his shoulders! Where will you make headquarters?”
”At home, for the present.”
”That's right. We knew you would hit upon the true theory of campaigning. Never was there a better strategic point for your operations, Strahan, than the banks of the Hudson.”
”I shall try to prove you right. A recruiting sergeant will join me in a day or two, and then I can accommodate you all with muskets.”
”All? Not Miss Marian?”