“Ask the gentleman in, Jonas,” said Mrs. Varney. “It’s come,” whispered Edith to her mother. “Do you know who he is?” “No—but he’s from the President—it must be that commission.” At this moment old Jonas ushered into the drawing-room a very dashing young officer, handsome in face, gallant in bearing, and dressed in a showy and perfectly fitting uniform, which was quite a contrast to the worn habiliments of the men at the front. Mrs. Varney stepped forward a little, and Lieutenant Maxwell bowed low before her. “Good-evening, ma’am. Have I the honour of addressing Miss Varney?” “I am Mrs. Varney, sir.” “Madam,” said the Lieutenant, “I am very much afraid this looks like an intrusion on my part, but I come from the President, and he desires me to see Miss Varney personally.” “Any one from the President could not be otherwise than welcome, sir. This is my daughter. Edith, let me present Lieutenant Maxwell.” The young Lieutenant, greatly impressed, bowed profoundly before her, and taking a large brown envelope from his belt, handed it to her. “Miss Varney,” he said, “the President directed me to deliver this into your hands, with his compliments. He is glad to be able to do this, he says, not only at your request, but because of your father and for the merits of the gentleman in question.” “Oh, thank you,” cried the girl, taking the envelope. “Won’t you be seated, Lieutenant Maxwell?” said Mrs. Varney. “Yes, do,” urged the girl, holding the envelope pressed very tightly to her side. “Nothing would please me so much, ladies,” answered the Lieutenant, “but I must go back to the President’s house right away. I’m on duty this evening. Would you mind writing me off a line or two, Miss Varney, just to say you have received the communication?” “Why, certainly, you want a receipt. I’ll go upstairs to my desk; it won’t take a moment. And could I put in how much I thank him for his kindness?” “I am sure he would be more than, pleased,” smiled Lieutenant Maxwell, as Edith left the room and hastened up the stairs. “We haven’t heard so much cannonading to-day, Lieutenant,” said Mrs. Varney. “Do you know what it means?” “I don’t think they are quite positive, ma’am, but they can’t help looking for a violent attack to follow.” “I don’t see why it should quiet down before an assault.” “Well, there is always a calm before a storm,” said the Lieutenant. “It might be some signal, or it might be they are moving their batteries to open on some special point of attack. They are trying every way to break through our defences, you know.” “It’s very discouraging. We can’t seem to drive them back this time.” “We’re holding them where they are, though,” said Maxwell proudly. “They’ll never get in unless they do it by some scurvy trick; that’s where the danger lies. We are always looking out for it, and——”