Her aunt viewed her with a puzzled smile. “How you do fly from one thing to another, child. One minute you are in a rage, and the next you are melted to tears of sorrow. Come, give that fantasy no more thought. Run down and tell Mrs. Flynn that she must not let that barrel of oysters go to waste, even if we have them three times a day. We have such a little family now that it is hard to dispose of things, but with prices so high, there is need of economy.” She sighed as she spoke, and Lettice, who had been planning an excuse to get back to the country, felt conscience-smitten, and would not suggest such a thing, now that she realized how utterly alone her aunt would be. It was very dull for her in the quiet house, and Mrs. Hopkins would not allow her to have even Lutie. She endured Danny, to be sure, because his master had a fondness for the little fellow, and, moreover, he made himself useful in many ways. But Lettice spent a tedious winter, and though she tried to be patient, and did enjoy a few frolics, she was glad to see the first signs of spring. All through the winter had come cheering reports of naval victories of more or less importance. Many prizes had been brought in by the Baltimore privateers and letters-of-marque, for this city took the lead in sending out such vessels. From the port of New York came the news that Joseph had been successful in capturing more than one English vessel, and had taken them into the Northern ports. Thirteen merchant vessels were captured off the coast of Spain by one Baltimore ship alone, and this record was equalled by more than one gallant cruiser. Not a day passed but news arrived of some valiant sea-fight. In February Bainbridge took the _Java_. In March the _Hornet_ worsted the _Peacock_, and the names of Hull and Decatur, Bainbridge and Jones, were on every one’s lips. Throughout all this naval warfare Baltimore was foremost in energetically showing fight, and against the state of Maryland, in consequence, the strongest enmity of the foe seemed to be directed. It was in April that Rhoda and her father announced that they would return to Baltimore, and then Lettice saw that her desire to go home could be granted, and she wrote to her brother James to come for her. James, nothing loath, responded at once, so that he arrived in time to welcome Rhoda. Under her father’s watchful eye Rhoda was not very demonstrative in her greetings, and Mr. Clinton, following close in her wake, was not received with much enthusiasm by Lettice--a fact he was not slow to notice and to comment upon. “I am coming down to Sylvia’s Ramble again,” he whispered to Lettice. “When Rhoda comes, I suppose,” Lettice returned in chilling tones. “Don’t be jealous,” Mr. Clinton begged. Lettice turned upon him with scornful eyes. “Jealous! I jealous? You are vastly mistaken, sir!” and not another word did she vouchsafe him the remainder of the day.