Even if Christy's father had not dropped a hint to Mrs.Passford in regard to the fact that his son was at least tenderly inclined towards the lovely maiden from the South she could not have failed to notice his attentions to her.

Later at night his father and mother had a long talk over the matter.
"Christy, I have a couple of envelopes for you," said Captain Passford, as the party seated themselves in the drawing-room after supper.
"Envelopes, father ?" asked the young officer curiously.

"Base ball or boat-club business ?" "I should say neither; decidedly not," replied his father, taking the documents from his pocket, and handing them to him.

"They have an official look, and bear the imprint of the Navy Department." "What business can the Navy Department have with me now?
I have the honor to be the executive officer of the gunboat Bronx, with the rank of master, on detached duty as prize-master," added Christy, as he looked at the ponderous envelopes.
"You can easily answer that question by reading the papers," replied his father.
"A commission!" exclaimed Christy, as he opened the first one.

"I am promoted to the rank of lieutenant!" "And, though you are my son, I must say that you deserve the promotion," added Captain Passford.