And upon this decision Elfie rested, laying back at ease in her cushions until the carriage reached the gates of the parsonage. Then she eagerly looked out to see if there were any external signs by which she could guess whether the household had retired for the night. “All right! I see the lights gleaming through the library shutters, and I know by them Erminie is still up,” she said to herself, as the carriage stopped and the coachman got down and opened the door. “Here is the dollar agreed upon for your fare! And here is half a dollar extra to reward you for not roaring at travellers like the other hackmen did!” said Elfie, as she quickly thrust the money into the man’s hand, and opened the gate. As the carriage drove off again, she ran up the walk leading from the gate to the front door of the house. And when she reached it she seized the bell-pull and rang a peal like a fire-alarm. The door was opened by old Uncle Bob, who, on seeing his young mistress, jumped a yard backward, exclaiming: “Praise the Lord, Miss Elfie! is this you?” “Yes! yes! Where is Erminie?” cried Elfie, and without waiting for an answer, she rushed past the old man, tore open the library door, and bounced in upon the young mistress of the mansion. Erminie, looking like some fair spirit of peace, sat in her deep arm-chair by the library table, reading by the light of a shaded gas-burner. On raising her eyes to see who it was who rushed into her presence so rudely, and recognizing Elfie, she laid down her book and arose and opened her arms, and folded the wild girl fondly to her bosom, while her tears fell warmly on the little, black head. “Thank Heaven for your safe return! Oh, Elfie, my dear, I am so happy to have you back again!” said Erminie, gently releasing Elfie, and placing her in the easiest resting-chair. “I was half afraid to come upon you so suddenly, Erminie, dear. I was afraid I should shock you. But indeed, indeed, I had not self-denial enough to go to a hotel and stop all night, and wait until I could send for Dr. Sales to break the news to you.” “I am very glad you came at once to the house, my dear. The other proceeding would have been highly improper in a young lady, travelling alone, in a city full of soldiers,” said Erminie. “‘Full of soldiers!’ fiddle-de-dee! I have been marching and counter marching, fighting and flying, among soldiers and guerrillas, for the last ten days! So I have no reason to be frightened at them. But I am glad I didn’t startle you by pouncing in upon you so unexpectedly.” “You startled me a little, dear; but it was with a very pleasant shock.” “And oh! I was so impatient to see you, and to hear from my brave little Mim. Oh, Erminie, can you tell me about my little Mim?” anxiously inquired Elfie. “He is quite out of danger, and is getting well fast.” “Thank Heaven for that! I should never have got over his death if he had died, the dear little hero! But—he _was_ in danger?”