“Then keep your promise, Justin,” she said, in a gentle, solemn voice. “You will not free me from it?” “I cannot.” “Britomarte!” “Well?” “Do you know why, after so long a delay, we have at length received such sudden marching orders?” “I do not.” “Nor yet where we are going?” “No.” “I will tell you. We are ordered to C——, to reinforce General M——, who is hourly expecting a battle.” Britomarte started as if she had suddenly received a stab; but quickly recovered herself, and firmly replied: “Then I congratulate you, Justin. I would to Heaven I could stand at your side—your brother-in-arms—on the day of battle!” “So would not I,” said Justin, gravely—“so would not I. But, Britomarte, you have it in your power to give my arm great strength, if you please to do so.” “Love of your country should be all sufficient to nerve your arm, Justin,” she answered, earnestly. He took her hand, and sought to read her face; but she turned away her head to conceal the emotion she could not quite control. They were interrupted: “‘Malbrook is bound to the wars! Malbrook is bound to the wars! Malbrook is bound to the wars! And I hope he’ll never return!’” sang Elfie, dancing into the room. “So you are really off, are you, Justin?” she inquired, giving him her hand. “Yes, Elfie—really, off at last,” replied Justin, smiling. “Well, so is my governor, and so is my substitute! And I wish with all my heart and soul that I was going too! But, you see, I have given my pap my sacred word not to enlist, unless my substitute jumps the bounty, or gets himself killed or taken prisoner!” said Elfie. Erminie hearing the voices in the library, thought it would be of no use for her to remain out any longer, depriving herself of her brother’s society. So she came in. And after that the conversation, under the auspices of Elfie, became general and cheerful. A very nice dinner was served at four o’clock. And Justin and the three young ladies sat down to it together. Major Fielding and Lieutenant Ethel were not at home, and not expected before six o’clock. After dinner Erminie sent out for a carriage. “You must let us ride down to the wharf with you, Justin, and see you off,” said his sister. “Yes, yes—it is just what I wish,” he answered. “Britomarte, dear Britomarte, you, too, will go with us,” pleaded Erminie. “Of course I shall, love,” murmured Miss Conyers, in reply. “Elfie dear, I know that you must stay here to receive your father when he comes in to dinner, else I would ask you also to go with us,” said Erminie. “Thanks for nothing!” laughed Elfie. “I can’t go, and I don’t want to go; and as Captain Rosenthal is neither my brother nor my lover, there is no necessity for me to go.” The carriage was at the door at five o’clock.