and finally lost in the roar of the
river. Andrew galloped up the avenue with an extra, yet damp from the
printing-press, containing the joyful tidings that McDowell's army had been
completely routed, and was being pursued toward Alexandria. Meagre was the
account--our heroes, Bee and Bartow, had fallen. No other details were
given, but the premonition, "Heavy loss on our side," sent a thrill of
horror to every womanly heart, dreading to learn the price of victory.
Irene's white face flashed as she read the despatch, and raising her hands,
exclaimed--

"Oh, thank God! thank God!"

"Shall I go back to the office?"

"Yes; I shall certainly get a despatch from father some time to-night. Go
back and wait for it. Tell Mr. Rogers, the operator, what you came for, and
ask him I say please to let you have it as soon as it arrives. And, Andrew,
bring me any other news that may come before my despatch."

As the night advanced, her face grew haggard, and the wan lips fluttered
ceaselessly. Russell she regarded as already dead to her in this world, but
for her father she wrestled desperately in spirit. Mrs. Campbell joined
her, uttering hopeful, encouraging words, and Nellie came out, with a cup
of tea on a waiter.

"Please drink your tea, just to please me, Queen. I can't bear to look at
you. In all your life I never saw you worry so. Do sit down and rest; you
have walked fifty miles since morning."

"Take it away, Nellie. I don't want it."

"But, child, it will be time enough to fret when you know Mas' Leonard is
hurt. Don't run to meet trouble; it will face you soon enough. If you won't
take the tea, for pity's sake let me get you a glass of wine."

"No; I tell you I can't swallow anything. If you want to help me, pray for
father."

She resumed her walk, with her eyes strained in the direction of the town.

Thus passed three more miserable hours; then the clang of the iron gate at
the foot of the avenue fell on her aching ear; the tramp of horses' hoofs
and roll of wheels came up the gravelled walk.

The carriage stopped; Judge Harris and his wife came up the steps,
followed slowly by Andrew, whose hat was slouched over his eyes. As they
approached Irene put out her hands wistfully.

"We have won a glorious victory, Irene, but many of our noble soldiers are
wounded. I knew you would be anxious, and we came----"

"Is my father killed!"

"Your father was wounded. He led a splendid charge."

"Wounded! No! he is ki