"It is very pleasant to see you on your own ground. I hope your family
are well."
"Thank you; yes. My father and mother are here somewhere."
"And Captain Claiborne?"
"He's probably sitting up all night to defend Fort Myer from the crafts
and assaults of the enemy. I hope you will come to see us, Mr. Armitage."
"Thank you; you are very kind," he said gravely. "I shall certainly give
myself the pleasure very soon."
As Shirley passed on with Chauvenet Mrs. Sanderson launched upon the
girl's praises, but she found him suddenly preoccupied.
"The girl has gone to your head. Why didn't you tell me you knew the
Claibornes?"
"I don't remember that you gave me a chance; but I'll say now that I
intend to know them better."
She bade him take her to the drawing-room. As they went down through the
house they found that the announcement of the Emperor Johann Wilhelm's
death had cast a pall upon the company. All the members of the diplomatic
corps had withdrawn at once as a mark of respect and sympathy for Baron
von Marhof, and at midnight the ball-room held all of the company that
remained.
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