The embarkation was made without accident. Molly had had a nervous dread
of her share in it, but under her uncle's careful supervision, was
conveyed safely on board.
The weather was very warm, the sea perfectly calm, but as they steamed out
of the harbor a pleasant breeze sprang up, and the voyage began most
prosperously.
There were a hundred lady passengers, and not more than a dozen gentlemen;
but to Virginia's delight, one of these last was a gay dashing young army
officer, with whom she had a slight acquaintance.
He caught sight of her directly, hastened to greet her, and they were soon
promenading the deck together, engaged in an evident flirtation.
Mr. Dinsmore, seated at some little distance with his daughter and her
children about him, watched his niece's proceedings with a deepening
frown. He was not pleased with either her conduct or her companion.
At length, rising and approaching his sister, "Do you know that young man,
Louise?" he asked.
"Not intimately," she returned, bridling. "He is Captain Brice of the
army."
"Do you know his character?"
"I have heard that he belongs to a good family, and I can see that he is a
gentleman.
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