“It is almost certain that Rolfe Maxwell is alive, a prisoner _incommunicado_ in Morro Castle. The newspaper that he wrote for has very reliable news from a recently released prisoner, and steps have already been taken to secure his release. Consul-General Lee was cabled to yesterday to give immediate attention to the case.” Viola’s head rested against his shoulder, her form shaking with sobs of joy. “How long, papa, how long?” she faltered. “Until his release?” “Yes.” “We hope it will be immediate, and if so, he ought to reach Havana in a very few days, en route for home.” “Oh, papa, may I not go and meet him there?” eagerly. “Dearest, it would not be prudent,” the father said, hesitatingly; adding, after a moment’s thought: “Send me in your place.” “Papa, would you indeed be so kind?” cried Viola, astonished and delighted. “I would do anything for your happiness, my dear child,” returned the judge, who never did anything by halves, and was in deep earnest now in his desire to help Viola. “Oh, thank you, papa, thank you a thousand times, and please don’t think me troublesome, but--but--oh, papa, let us go together to Cuba, you and I, dear, and meet poor Rolfe and bring him home,” coaxed Viola. Judge Van Lew would have preferred to leave his daughter at home with her aunt, but she would listen to neither argument nor persuasion; her whole heart was set on going, and as a result of her determination, he sailed for Cuba next day, taking her as his companion. CHAPTER XXXVIII. “AS FLIES THE DOVE TO SEEK ITS MATE.” How long the journey seemed to Viola ere they gained at last the beautiful Cuban shores, now, alas! laid waste by cruel, devastating war! By reason of a railway accident that belated them twenty-four hours in a Floridian town, they did not reach Havana till the fifth day. Then, weary and impatient, they took quarters at the best hotel, and the judge, leaving his daughter to rest in her rooms, went out at once in search of news of Maxwell. Viola was too eager and impatient to rest long, now that she seemed to have attained the goal of her desires. She could think of nothing but the longed-for reunion with the husband of an hour, from whom she had been so long and cruelly parted, believing him dead and herself widowed. She glanced at her black gown, rejoicing that she should so soon be able to lay it aside for the bright robes of happiness. Aunt Edwina had wished her to lay her mourning aside before leaving, but she had demurred. “I wish my husband to see me first in the garb of woe, then he will know how truly I have mourned him,” she said, wondering if Rolfe would not be proud and glad to learn that she had loved him all the while. “How have I thought of thee? As flies The dove to seek its mate, Trembling lest some rude hand has laid Her sweet home desolate; Thus timidly I seek in thine The only heart that throbs with mine.