“Yes, my sister. Lee has invaded Pennsylvania; but has been met at Gettysburg by the Union army under General Meade, and driven back with tremendous loss. The news of the victory has just reached New York, and the city is mad with joy!” “This is glorious news to greet us on our arrival!” said Lieutenant Ethel, coming up. “Good-morning, Miss Conyers. Let us congratulate each other.” “With all my heart!” exclaimed Britomarte, cordially grasping the hand that was extended to her. “Here are the morning papers, Rosenthal. A boat has just come alongside and brought them,” continued the young lieutenant showing a half-dozen of the journals of the day, which he immediately divided between Justin, Britomarte and himself. But all three were really too much excited to compose themselves to reading. They did but devour the telegraphic news containing the brief announcement of the victory of Gettysburg, and then they began to talk about it, and they continued to talk until the steward came to say that breakfast was on the table. They went into the cabin and sat down to the table. But who could eat? They drank some coffee and made a pretense of nibbling some bread and meat. But even the fresh eggs and beefsteak, rare luxuries to the voyagers, that the boat had brought alongside that morning in time for their breakfast, could not tempt them. They soon arose and made preparations to go on shore. The principal part of Justin’s, Britomarte’s and Judith’s effects had been packed up for several days. All that they had to do now was to put up the few articles that they had left out for immediate use. When this was done they put on their outer garments and were ready to leave the ship—only waiting for Lieutenant Ethel, who had a few last orders to give before accompanying them on shore. Justin and Britomarte sat in the stern. “My sister,” said the young man, “let me be a brother to you in reality. We are about to leave the ship which has been our home so long. The greater part of our effects has perished in the using, and the greater part of our means is lost. Tell me now, as you would tell your brother, what are your plans for the future, Britomarte?” “I will,” she answered, frankly. “Certainly my wardrobe is rather dilapidated, and nearly three years behind the time; but still, as it is clean and whole, I hope it will be considered decent and passable. For the rest I have about thirty dollars in gold, which you saved with my other effects from the wreck. This will suffice to take me to Washington, and keep me for a few days.” “And then?” “As Heaven wills.” Justin groaned. “Oh, Britomarte, my beloved! that you would give me a legal right to protect you!” “Justin! no more of that I implore you, if we are to retain even the semblance of friendship,” she exclaimed.