Mr.
Guilford had only thanked him for what he had done, and not said a word
about having it in his power to be of service to him.

While he was meditating upon the events which had transpired, and the
Senator's patronizing offer, he saw Captain de Banyan enter the forward
door of the car through which the gentleman who had taken so much pains
to compliment the young officer had disappeared a short time before. The
distinguished captain walked through the car directly to the seat of the
lieutenant, who had not even yet ceased to blush under the praises which
had been bestowed upon him.

"Somers, your hand," said he, extending his own. "I have heard all about
it, and am proud that our regiment has furnished so brave and devoted a
man. Oh, don't blush, my dear fellow! You are a modest man. I sympathize
with you; for I am a modest man myself. I didn't get over blushing for
three weeks after his imperial majesty, the Emperor of France,
complimented me for some little thing I did at the battle of Palestro."

"I thought that was at Magenta," added Somers.

"So it was. The fact is, I have been in a great many battles, and I get
them mixed up a little sometimes. But you are in luck, Somers," continued
the captain in a lower tone, as he seated himself by the side of his
fellow-officer.

"Why so?"

"They say she is the daughter of a Senator."

"What of that?"

"What of that! Why, my dear fellow, you are as innocent as a school girl.
Don't you see he can get you on some general's staff, and have you
promoted every time there is a skirmish?"

"I don't want to be promoted unless I earn it."

"Of course you don't; but every officer that earns it won't get it. By
the way, Somers, can't you introduce me to the old gentleman?"

"I never saw him before in my life."

"No matter for that. I'll warrant you, he'll be glad to make all your
friends his friends."

"But I don't feel enough acquainted with him to introduce a gentleman
whom I never saw in my life till two hours ago."

"You are right, my dear fellow; excuse me," replied Captain de Banyan,
looking very much disappointed. "I dare say, if I should show him the
autograph of the Emperor of France, he would be very glad to know me."

"No doubt of it. At any rate, I recommend you to make the trial."

"Yes; but the mischief of it is, I have left all those papers at home."

"That's unfortunate," added Lieutenant Somers, who had some serious
doubts in regard to the exist