She could not speak a word, and the captain was as dumb as she was.
For a moment she remained folded in his arms, and then she gently disengaged herself, to render the same wealth of affection in its manifestation to her brother, who was standing by her father when she darted into the room.

But Christy was a boy, and not as demonstrative as his father, though he discharged the duties of the affecting occasion with becoming fidelity, so that the loving girl was sure that his heart was where it had always been.
"Why, papa, I had no idea of seeing you to-day!" exclaimed Florry, when she had wiped away her abundant tears.

"I did not know that I should ever see you again, for they say that all the roads to the North have been closed to travel." "We did not come by land, either by railroad or otherwise; and the Bellevite lies at the wharf near this house," the captain explained.
"I was terribly afraid I should never see you again, and that I should have to stay here till this war is ended, papa; but they say it will soon be over," said the fair girl.
"I am afraid it will not be over for a long time, for each side is firmly united in its own cause.

But I could not leave you here.

Do you want to go back to Bonnydale, Florry ?" "Do I want to go back?
What a funny question, papa!" exclaimed she.
"Why is it a funny question ?" asked the anxious father, recalling the rather presumptuous suggestion the gallant major from Fort Gaines had made.
"Don't you think I want to see mamma?
You have not told me a word about her; and it is a long time now since I have heard any thing.