Part 39 (2/2)
”Of course not. We women are too shrewd to hazard all upon one die.”
”Well--well! You see that we trust important data to your cunning fingers.
You leave London to-morrow for Southampton; will arrive just in time for the steamer. Good-bye, Miss Grey. When I get back to the Confederacy, I shall certainly find you out. I want you to paint the portraits of my wife and children. From the enviable reputation you have already acquired I am proud to claim you for my countrywoman. G.o.d bless you, and lead you safely home. Good-bye, Mr. Mitch.e.l.l. Take care of her and let me hear from you on your arrival.”
From the hour when tidings of the fall of Sumter reached Europe, Electra had resolved to cut short the studies which she had pursued so vigorously since her removal to Florence, and return to the South. But the tide of travel set toward, not from European sh.o.r.es, and it was not until after repeated attempts to find some one homeward-bound, that she learned of Eric Mitch.e.l.l's presence in Paris, and his intention of soon returning to W----.
She wrote at once, requesting his permission to place herself under his care. It was cordially accorded; and, bidding adieu to Italy, she joined him without delay, despite the pleadings of Mr., Mrs. Young, and Louisa, who had recently arrived at Florence, and sincerely mourned a separation under such painful circ.u.mstances.
Eric was detained in Paris by a severe attack of the old disease, but finally reached London--whence, having completed their arrangements, they set off for Southampton, and took pa.s.sage in the _Trent_, which was destined subsequently to play a prominent part in the tangled role of Diplomacy, and to furnish the most utterly humiliating of many chapters of the pusillanimity, sycophancy, and degradation of the Federal government.
The voyage proved pleasant and prosperous; and, once at Havana, Eric anxiously sought an opportunity of testing the vaunted efficiency of the blockade. Unfortunately, two steamers had started the week previous, one to New Orleans, the other to Charleston; only sailing vessels were to be found, and about the movements of these, impenetrable mystery seemed wrapped. On the afternoon of the third day after their arrival, Eric, wearied with the morning's fruitless inquiry, was resting on the sofa at the hotel, while Electra watched the tide of pa.s.sers-by, when Willis, Eric's servant, came in quickly, and walked up to the sofa.
”Master, Captain Wright is here. I asked him to come and see you, and he is waiting downstairs.”
”Captain Wright?”
”Yes, sir; the captain you liked so much at Smyrna--the one who gave you that pipe, sir.”
”Oh, I remember! Yes--yes; and he is here? Well, show him up.”
”Master, from the way he watches the clouds, I believe he is about to run out. Maybe he can take us?”
”Willis is invaluable to you, Mr. Mitch.e.l.l,” said Electra, as the negro left the room.
”He is indeed. He is eyes, ears, crutches, everything to me, and never forgets anything or anybody. He has travelled over half the world with me--could desert me, and be free at any moment he felt inclined to do so--but is as faithful now as the day on which I first left home with him.”
”Ah, Captain! this is an unexpected pleasure. I am heartily glad to see you. Miss Grey--Captain Wright. Take a seat.”
The captain looked about thirty, possibly older; wore a grey suit and broad straw hat, and, when the latter was tossed on the floor, showed a handsome, frank, beaming face, with large, clear, smiling blue eyes, whose steady light nothing human could dim. His glossy reddish-brown hair was thrust back from a forehead white and smooth as a woman's, but the lower portion of the face was effectually bronzed by exposure to the vicissitudes of climate and weather; and Electra noticed a peculiar nervous restlessness of manner, as though he were habitually on the watch.
”I am astonished to see you in Havana, Mitch.e.l.l. Where did you come from?”
”Just from Paris, where bad health drove me, after I bade you good-bye at Smyrna. Have you a vessel here, captain?”
”Of course I have! Don't you suppose that I would be in the army if I could not serve my country better by carrying in arms and ammunition? I have already made two successful trips with my schooner--ran in, despite the blockaders. I am negotiating for a steamer, but until I can get one ready I intend to sail on.”
”When did you arrive here last?”
”About ten days ago. They chased me for nearly fifteen miles, but I stole out of sight before morning.”
”When do you expect to leave here?”
The captain darted a swift, searching glance at Electra, rose and closed the door, saying, with a light laugh--
”Take care, man! You are not exactly deer-hunting or crab-catching in a free country! Mind that, and talk softly. I am watched here; the Federal agents all know me, and there are several Federal vessels in port. When do I expect to leave? Well, to-night, if the weather thickens up, as I think it will, and there is evident sign of a storm. Most sailors wait for fair weather; we blockade runners for foul.”
<script>