And then, finding that she could learn no more to throw light on the mystery of Britomarte’s departure, she arose, thanked the widow for the information given, and left the house. On reaching the parsonage, Erminie found luncheon ready, and Elfie waiting for her. “Minie,” said that impatient young lady, “if you are of the heavens, heavenly, and can live without eating, I’ll have you know that I’m ‘of the earth, earthy,’ and can’t do without victuals. It was seven o’clock when we breakfasted, and now it is three.” “My dearest Elfie, always eat when you are hungry, and don’t wait for me. I have been to Britomarte’s boarding house,” said Erminie. “Yes, I know, and found her all right, I dare say.” “I found her place empty. She has left!” “‘Left!’” echoed Elfie in astonishment. “Yes. Oh, what a pity!” “But where has she gone?” “To Baltimore; but to what part of the city we do not know. She gave no address, but simply ‘W. W., Baltimore post office.’ Here is the letter she left me. The landlady could tell me little more than the letter,” said Erminie, handing it to Elfie. “‘My heyes!’ as the cockneys observe, here is a go! Have you any idea what she is going to do, Erminie?” “Not the slightest!” “I have, then!” “What? What?” “She is going into the army!” “Oh, Elfie! never!” “I tell you she is! I am just as sure of it as I am of my own life! Else why should she go off without taking leave of us?” “Why, indeed!” repeated Erminie. “You see she didn’t want to be cross-questioned, as to her intentions.” “She might not have wished to be cross-questioned; and yet she might have had no such intention as you suspect,” said Erminie. “Bosh! I tell you, Erminie, she has gone into the army. You know what her sentiments are! You know what her spirit, courage, and independence are! You know that she is not responsible to any human being in the world for her actions! And you also know what a consummate actress she is, and how perfectly she would enact the part of a soldier. And finally, Erminie, you know, for you have often heard her declare, that she will keep the laws of God and man, and in other respects do as she pleases!” “Yes, yes, yes! I know all that you have said. But, oh! Heaven forbid that she should have done as you suppose,” sighed Erminie. “She has done the deed! And neither you nor I could prevent her from doing it! So now come sit down and have some luncheon! Pap’s gone, Ethel’s gone, Justin’s gone, Alberta’s gone, (but she’s a good riddance of bad rubbish!) and now Britomarte’s gone! All are gone but me! But take comfort, Minie, dear! Though all the rest are gone, I will never go! I will never leave you alone!” said Elfie, with some real feeling, and with full faith that she could keep the promise she had made. But Elfie “reckoned without her host.” Destiny, had ordained that she should be torn away from her friend and carried off by guerrillas.