Part 41 (1/2)
”Better go below, Miss Grey; they might clip one of your curls next time.
The Vandals see you, I dare say, and your red flag stings their Yankee pride a little.”
”Do you suppose they can distinguish me?”
”Certainly. Through my gla.s.s I can see the gunners at work, and of course they see you. Should not be surprised if they aimed specially at you. That is the style of New England chivalry.”
Whiz--whiz; both sloop and frigate were firing now in good earnest, and one sh.e.l.l exploded a few yards from the side of the little vessel, tossing the foam and water over the group on deck.
The boom of a columbiad from the fort shook the air like thunder, and gave to the blockaders the unmistakable a.s.surance, ”Thus far, and no farther.”
The schooner strained on its way; a few shot fell behind, and soon, under the frowning bastions of the fort, whence the Confederate banner floated so proudly on the balmy Gulf breeze, spreading its free folds like an aegis, the gallant little vessel pa.s.sed up the channel, and came to anchor in Mobile Bay, amid the shouts of crew and garrison, and welcomed by a salute of five guns.
CHAPTER x.x.xI
RESULTS OF SECESSION
Immediately after her arrival in Mobile, Electra prepared to forward her despatches by Captain Wright, whose business called him to Richmond before his return to Cuba; and an examination of them proved that the expedient resorted to was perfectly successful. By moistening the edges of the drawing-paper, the tissue missive was drawn out uninjured, and, to Eric's surprise, she removed the carefully-st.i.tched blue silk which lined the tops of her travelling gauntlets, and extracted similar despatches, all of which were at once transmitted to the seat of government. While waiting for a boat, they heard the painful tidings of Major Huntingdon's death, which increased Eric's impatience to reach W----. The remainder of the journey was sad, and four days after leaving the Gulf City the lights of W---- and roar of the Falls simultaneously greeted the spent travellers. Having telegraphed of his safe arrival, the carriage was waiting at the depot, and Andrew handed to Electra a note from his mistress, requesting her to come at once to her house instead of going to the hotel. Eric added earnest persuasion, and with some reluctance the artist finally consented. They were prepared for the silent, solemn aspect of the house, and for the mourning dress of the orphan, but not for the profound calm, the melancholy, tearless composure with which she received them. Mental and physical suffering had sadly changed her. The oval face was thinner, and her form had lost its roundness, but the countenance retained its singular loveliness, and the mesmeric splendour of the large eyes seemed enhanced.
Of her father she did not speak, but gave her uncle a written statement of all the facts which she had been able to gather concerning the circ.u.mstances of his death; and thus a tacit compact was formed; to make no reference to the painful subject.
As she accompanied Electra to the room prepared for her, on the night of her arrival, the latter asked, with ill-concealed emotion--
”Irene, can you tell me anything about Russell? I am very anxious to hear something of him.”
Irene placed the silver lamp on the table, and standing in its glow, answered quietly--
”He was wounded in the arm at Mana.s.sa, but retains command of his regiment, and is doing very well. Dr. Arnold is the regimental surgeon, and in one of his letters to me he mentioned that your cousin's wound was not serious.”
”I am going to him immediately.”
”Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to do so. The wounded were removed to Richmond as promptly as possible, but your cousin remained at Mana.s.sa, where ladies are not permitted.”
”Then I will write to him to meet me in Richmond.”
Irene made no reply, and, watching her all the while, Electra asked--
”When did you see him last? How did he look?”
”The day before he started to Richmond. He was very well, I believe, but looked hara.s.sed and paler than usual. He is so robust, however, that I think you need entertain no apprehension concerning his health.”
The inflexible features, the low, clear, firm voice were puzzling, and Electra's brow thickened and darkened as she thought--
”Her father is dead now; there is no obstacle remaining. She must love him, and yet she gives no sign of interest.”
Two days later, they sat together before one of the parlour windows.
Electra was engaged in tearing off and rolling bandages, while Irene slowly sc.r.a.ped lint from a quant.i.ty of old linen, which filled a basket at her side. Neither had spoken for some time; the sadness of their occupation called up gloomy thoughts; but finally Electra laid down a roll of cloth, and, interlacing her slight fingers, said--