He found her lying on her bed, with her head raised by many pillows, looking wan, fair and transparent, and yet so much better than she had seemed the day before. Repressing his strong feelings he advanced to her bedside, stooped over her and kissed her gently, saying softly: “My dear Erminie! my dear, dear sister! how thankful to Heaven I am to find you so much improved.” She put her arms around his neck, and drew him closer to her heart, and returned his fond kiss; but all in silence. Very quiet was the interview between this devoted brother and sister. “I am so happy having you here, sitting by me and holding my hand,” whispered Erminie, with her fingers clasped in his. “And I am so happy to be here, and to see you so much better,” murmured Justin. “When you left us you wore a captain’s straps; now you wear the colonel’s eagle,” said Erminie, proudly. “Yes, dear sister; and my greatest pride in wearing them is that they give you pleasure.” “You will have a general’s star before long.” “I will try to earn them for your sake, sweet sister.” “Have you seen much of Britomarte?” “Yes, dear.” “Do you know where she lives, what she does?” “She has told me nothing, dear, of her residence or occupation. She keeps her secret,” answered Justin, rather evasively. But Erminie was not extreme to mark the flaws in his reply. She started another subject. “Justin,” she said, “I am sure our dear father lives.” “Heaven grant that he may, my dear,” said Justin, humoring what he supposed to be the fancy of a weak invalid, but recollecting with a pang the body removed from its humble grave on the battle-field of Bull Run, and interred in the family burial lot in the cemetery at Washington. “I am not strong enough now to tell you how I know this; but I will explain it in a day or two.” “You shall take your own time, love,” said Justin. So quietly they conversed together until the entrance of the doctor. He had been received by poor, old, stupid Frederica, who had omitted to tell him the good news about his patient, probably under the impression that he was fully aware of Erminie’s condition. And he had not made the usual inquiry of “How is Miss Rosenthal this morning?” because he shrunk from asking the question until he should reach the sick room. He had not seen the other members of the family, and so he came into Erminie’s presence all unenlightened as to the favorable change in her condition. And the first thing he saw was Erminie, propped up on pillows, conversing cheerfully with her brother. “Bless us! here is a change!” he exclaimed, with a smile, as he walked up to the bedside. “How are we this morning?” he asked, taking the chair vacated for him by Justin, and feeling the pulse of his patient. “Getting well as fast as possible, Doctor,” smiled Erminie. “Yes, yes, we are getting well fast! We can relish a little chicken broth this morning, can we not?” “I think we can,” she answered.