her errand, she returned
by way of the orphan asylum, whose brick walls were rapidly rising under
her supervision. One of the workmen took her horse, and she went over the
building, talking to the principal mechanic about some additional closets
which she desired to have inserted. Dr. Arnold chanced to be passing, but
saw Erebus at the gate, stopped, and came in.

"I was just going up the Hill to see you, Queen--glad I am saved the
trouble. Here, sit down a minute; I will clear the shavings away. When did
you hear from Leonard?"

"I had a letter yesterday. He was well, and on outpost duty near Manassas."

"Well, I shall join him very soon."

"Sir?"

"I say I shall join him very soon; don't you believe it? Why shouldn't I
serve my country as well as younger men? The fact is, I am going as surgeon
of Aubrey's regiment."

She looked at him, betraying neither surprise nor regret.

"When will you leave W----?"

"Day after to-morrow morning; can't get transportation any sooner. Aubrey
has received orders to report at once to General Beauregard. Child, have
you been sick?"

"No, sir. I am glad you are going with the regiment; very glad. Every good
surgeon in the Confederacy should hasten to the front line of our armies.
Since you leave home, I am particularly glad that you are going to
Manassas, where you can be near father."

He mused a moment, watching her furtively.

"I suppose you have heard of the performance for to-morrow?"

"No, sir. To what do you allude?"

"The daughter of Herodias is preparing to dance."

"I don't understand you, Doctor."

"Oh, don't you, indeed? Well, then, she intends to present a splendid
regimental flag with her own brown hands; and as Aubrey is to receive it,
the regiment will march to Mrs. Churchill's, where the speeches will be
delivered. Will you attend?"

"Scarcely, I presume, as I am not invited. I knew that Salome was having an
elegant flag made, but was not aware that to-morrow was appointed for the
ceremony of presentation. When will you come to see me? I want you to take
a parcel to father for me; and then I want to have a long talk."

"I know what the long talk amounts to. I am coming, of course, after the
flag ceremonies, where I am expected. At one o'clock I will be at the
Hill--perhaps earlier. Where now?"

"I must go by Mrs. Baker's, to see about giving out some sewing for the
'Huntingdon Rifles.' I can't do it all at home, and several families here
require w