d,
De Banyan to mingle in the terrible scenes in which the regiment was
engaged before the close of the month, and Somers to bask in the smiles
of the loved ones at home. Alick, who had been regularly installed as the
captain's servant, went with him.

CHAPTER XXXI

WASHINGTON, BOSTON AND PINCHBROOK

Though the session of Congress had closed a month before, Captain Somers
was gratified to learn on his arrival that Senator Guilford and his
family were still in Washington, the distinguished gentleman having been
detained by important public business. As soon as he could make himself
presentable, he hastened to pay his respects to the Senator, and thank
him for his kindness. He was not at home. Emma received him with a warm
blush of pleasure on her fair cheeks. She had entirely recovered from the
effects of the accident; and her tribute of gratitude was so eloquently
poured forth, that the gallant young captain, who had hardly seen a young
lady before for two months, could not exactly tell whether he stood on
his head or his heels; for praise from those beautiful lips produced a
sensation of giddiness in the region of the brain.

Young men will be silly in spite of all we dignified old fogies can say
to convince them of the folly of being carried away by the witching arts
of pretty, graceful little creatures like Emma Guilford. Perhaps the
remembrance of the scene on the railroad was some excuse for him; and it
is entirely unnecessary to apologize for anything a beautiful girl may
do, especially if she be the daughter of a Senator. The young lady said a
great many pretty things, and the young gentleman a great many smart
ones, before she discovered that the captain was wounded in the arm,
though she had already remarked upon his pale face and rather attenuated
form.

He told her when and where he was wounded; and of course she wanted to
know all about his adventures in Secessia. He was as willing as Othello
to speak

"Of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents, by flood and field;
Of hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach;
Of being taken by the insolent foe."

All this to hear did Emma Guilford seriously incline. But he had hardly
commenced the story before the Senator himself entered the room.

"Ah! Captain Somers, I am delighted to see you!" said he with enthusiasm,
as he extended his hand, which our hero as warmly grasped.