"I hope not very long," answered the young man with a gravity and sadness which did not consort with his words. He was pale, nervous and feverish, partly from lack of sleep the night before. "I really think it will not be very long," he repeated after a moment. Now that peace was apparently his only chance of returning to Miss Ravenel, he longed for it, and like most young people he could muster confidence to believe in what he hoped. Moreover it was at this time a matter of northern faith that the contest could not last a year; that the great army which was being drilled and disciplined on the banks of the Potomac would prove irresistible when it should take the field; that McClellan would find no difficulty in trampling out the life of the rebellion. Colonel Carter, Doctor Ravenel and a few obstinate old hunker democrats were the only persons in the little State of Barataria who did not give way to this popular conviction. "Where are you going, Mr. Colburne?" asked Lillie eagerly. "I don't know, really. The Colonel has received sealed orders. He is not to open them until we have been twenty-four hours at sea." "Oh! I think that is a shame. I do think that is abominable," said the young lady with excitement. She was very inquisitive by nature, and she was particularly anxious to know if the regiment would reach Louisiana. "I am inclined to believe that we shall go to Virginia," resumed Colburne. "I hope so. The great battle of the war is to be fought there, and I want to take part in it." Poor young man! he felt like saying that he wanted to be killed in it; mistaken young man! he believed that there would be but one great battle. "Wherever you go you will be doing your duty as a patriot and a friend of the interests of humanity," put in the Doctor, emphatically. "I confidently anticipate for you the greatest successes. I anticipate your personal success. Colonel Carter will undoubtedly be made a general, and you will return the commander of your regiment. But even if you never receive a grade of promotion, nor have a chance to strike a blow in battle, you will still have performed one of the highest duties of manhood and be entitled to our lasting respect. I sincerely and fervently envy you the feelings which you will be able to carry through life." "Thank you, sir," was all the answer that Colburne could think of at the moment. "If you find yourself near a post-office you will let us know it, won't you?" asked Lillie with a thoughtless frankness for which she immediately blushed painfully. In the desire to know whether Louisiana would be attacked and assaulted by Colonel Carter, she had said more than she meant. Colburne brightened into a grateful smile at the idea that he might venture to write to her. "Certainly," added the Doctor. "You must send me a letter at once when you reach your destination."