The lieutenant had been informed on his arrival of the death of Mr.Pembroke, Bertha's father, two months before; but she had gone to visit an uncle in Ohio, and Christy had not yet seen her.
"I expect Miss Pembroke will be here to-morrow, Christy," said Captain Passford one day, about three weeks after his return.

"I suppose you are of the same mind in regard to her." "I am, father," replied Christy, for he was about the same as a younger brother in his relations with him.

"But I have not heard a word from her, any more than from you, since I left home." "There has been no occasion to send a store-ship or other vessel to the Eastern Gulf squadron, though one sailed about a week before your arrival, and letters were forwarded to you," replied the captain.
"Doubtless one or more went from her to you.

She cannot have heard of your arrival; for I lost the address of her uncle in Ohio, and we could not write to her.

Her father had a little property; and at her request I have been appointed her guardian, and she will reside at Bonnydale in the future." Bertha Pembroke arrived the next day, and what Christy needed to complete his happiness was supplied, and now his cup was overflowing.
But he did not forget that he still owed a duty to his suffering country.