“I trust that you will give us some opportunity of proving our gratitude to you, Mr. Ethel. My brother informs me that your duties will detain you here in Washington for some days or weeks. I hope that you will gratify us by making our quiet house your home during the period of your stay,” said Erminie. “A thousand thanks, Miss Rosenthal! But my domestication in this lovely home would be much too great a tax upon your kindness, and very much too great a happiness for my merits,” said the young officer. “I assure you it would give us sincere pleasure to have you,” urged Erminie. “Ethel shall stay just where he is, Erminie. Give yourself no further trouble to press him. I was his guest for many weeks, and he shall be mine for many days, at least. Oh, I haven’t consulted him on the subject. I knew it would be useless. I ordered his man Martin to pack up his effects and bring them over here this afternoon. So, sister, you may have a room made ready for the lieutenant, and a hammock swung somewhere for the seaman—or lacking a hammock, an ordinary cot and mattress will do,” said Justin. “Oh, Rosenthal,” began the young officer. “Hold your tongue, Ethel! You’re not on your quarterdeck now! I’m commander of _this_ ship, and I mean to be obeyed!” exclaimed Justin. “But you will allow me to say——” “Not a syllable against dropping your anchor in this harbor.” “Well, I won’t! I was only about to observe that I used to hear Judith threaten her ‘gay Tom’ to make him do as he liked! You are only making me do as I like,” said the young lieutenant, with a bow to Erminie. “And now let us talk about something else! Young ladies, this is a great holiday! To-night there is to be a brilliant illumination, in honor of the two great victories of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. I have ordered in several pounds of wax-candles, which, when they come, you will have cut into the proper lengths. I have also spoken to a carpenter to come and fix holders for the lights at the windows. You can send a servant with him through the rooms,” said Justin. CHAPTER III. JUSTIN ENLISTS.—ELFIE DRILLS. Sound, sound the clarion—fill, fill the fife! To all the sensual world proclaim, One crowded hour of glorious strife Is worth an age without a name! ’Twas bustle in the street below— “Forward! march!” and forth they go. Steeds neigh and trample all around— Steel rings, spears glitter, trumpets sound!—SCOTT. Young Ethel remained the honored guest of the old parsonage. He had been relieved of the command of the Sea Scourge and promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and he was now waiting orders. Major Fielding also, while recovering from his wounds, made the parsonage his home.