by Oliver Optic
CHAPTER XXVII.
MISS PORTINGTON NOT AT HOME.
Pillgrim and Langdon had been in close confinement at Pensacola sincetheir capture. They were now placed on board of the Ben Lomond to besent north. An apartment was specially fitted up for their use in thesteerage, for they were regarded as dangerous men, to whom bolts, bars,and other obstacles, were but trifling impediments. A sufficient numberof marines to guard them were detailed for duty on the passage, and thesteamer sailed for Boston, where the prize was to be adjusted.
Somers was now improving very rapidly, and before he left the hospital,had sat up a small portion of each day. The pleasant intelligencebrought to him by Tom Longstone had not retarded his recovery; on thecontrary, the bright hopes of the future which it suggested, ratherstimulated his feeble frame, and assisted in his restoration to health.
The steamer had fine weather on the passage, with the exception of agale of thirty hours' duration. She put into Hampton Roads, and landedher prisoners at Fortress Monroe, in accordance with the orders of hercommander, and then proceeded to Boston. The Ben Lomond behavedremarkably well in the heavy weather she experienced, proving herself tobe a strongly-built and substantial vessel. Somers sent his despatchesto Washington from Fortress Monroe.
When the Ben Lomond sailed into Boston Harbor, Somers was able to go ondeck, for with each day of the voyage his health had continued toimprove. The steamer was duly handed over to the naval authorities, andthe young lieutenant was granted a furlough of sixty days.
"Our cruise is up," said Tom Longstone, when the business had beencompleted.
"For the present, we have nothing to do; but I hope we shall soonreceive our orders," replied Somers. "Now, Tom, you will go down toPinchbrook with me, and spend a couple of months."
"Thank you, Jack; I hardly think I should know how to behave in a houseon shore, it is so long since I have been in one."
"You will soon learn."
They went to Pinchbrook, and Tom received a welcome almost as cordial asthat extended to Somers. The veteran was soon made entirely at home byhis young friend's father, and such a "spinning of yarns" for thirtydays had never been known before. Tom told a story of the Cumberland;then Captain Somers had a West India yarn; and gran'ther Greene wasindulgently permitted to relate his experience in the "last war," thoughit was observed that the old man, whose memory was much impaired, alwaystold the same story.
Never did a happier trio gather around a kitchen fire than that whichsat around the cook-stove at Pinchbrook on those autumn mornings. Verylikely Mrs. Somers thought the "men folks" were in the way at times;but, she was too much interested in the stories told, and too goodnatured to raise an objection, especially when John joined the party.
In the mean time, Somers was rapidly regaining his health and strength.As may be supposed, he was a lion in Pinchbrook, and was invited toevery party and every merry-making in the place. Captain Barney was withhim a great deal, and was as fond of him as though he had been his ownson. Of course the young ladies of Pinchbrook regarded the lieutenant asa great man; and if it had not been known in town that he was "payingattention" to a commodore's daughter, he might have been absolutelypersecuted by the fair ones of his native village.
In strict observance of his promise, Somers had written several lettersto Kate Portington, but had received no answer. These epistles, with theexception of an occasional playful remark, were confined to the detailsof his naval operations. The events of his career were faithfullyrecorded, and they were in no sense such productions as many silly youngmen would have written under similar circumstances. No answer to any ofthem had been received.
Since his arrival at Pinchbrook, Somers had written two letters; but atthe end of the first month of his furlough, he had not heard a word fromKate. He was troubled, and no doubt thought Kate was very cold andcruel. He knew that Pillgrim had not seen her, and therefore could nothave prejudiced her against him. It was possible that his letters hadnot reached their destination; Kate might be away from home; and he wasnot willing to believe that anything had occurred to make her lessfriendly to him than formerly.
Somers, as we have so often had occasion to represent him, was always infavor of "facing the music." If there was anything the matter, he wantedto know it. If the lady wished to discontinue the acquaintance, hewanted to know that; and when he could no longer content himself inPinchbrook, with the question unsettled, he started for Newport. On hisarrival he proceeded at once to the residence of Commodore Portington.With a firm hand he rang the bell--in surprising contrast with his firstvisit, for now he was firm and decided.
The servant informed him that Miss Portington was at home, and he sentup his card. Somers sat nervously waiting the issue. Presently theservant returned and handed him a card, on which was written, "_MissPortington is not at home to Mr. John Somers_."
He was confounded by this cool reply. Though her present conduct was inaccordance with the unanswered letters, he had not expected to be thusrudely repelled. If she had any objection to him, why didn't she tellhim so? He had done his duty to his country, and kept his promises toher. It was the severest blow he had ever received.
He read the card, rose from his chair, and left the house, as dignifiedas though he had been on the quarter deck of the Ben Lomond. He was tooproud to ask or to offer any explanations. We will not undertake to sayhow bad he felt. Perhaps he wished he had died in the Pensacolahospital, when he lay at death's door; perhaps he felt like rushing intothe hottest of a fight, and laying down his life for the cause he hadespoused, without thinking that this would be suicide, rather than agenerous sacrifice to a holy duty.
Mr. Pillgrim had informed him that he would meet with a "chilly"reception. It was even worse than that; but as it was evidently causedby the traitor's machinations, he was content to suffer. If she chose tolet the words of the wretched conspirator against his country bias heragainst him, he could not help it; and his only remaining duty was tosubmit with the best possible grace.
Of course he could not leave Newport without calling at the NavalAcademy. Mr. Revere, the commandant of midshipmen, was his firm friend,and it would be treason to him to leave the city without seeing him. Hewas cordially received, and his experience in Mobile Bay was listened towith the most friendly interest.
"I need not ask you if you have been to Commodore Portington's," saidMr. Revere.
"I have, sir."
"Well, how is Miss Portington?"
"I did not see her," replied Somers, who, conscious that he had done nowrong, was not disposed to conceal his misfortune from so good a friend.
"Did not see her!" exclaimed the commandant.
Somers explained.
The story of Pillgrim's treason had been circulated, but the particularsby which it had been exposed were known to only a few. Mr. Revere saw atonce the cause of the rupture.
"The villain has sent her the bond you signed," said he.
"Perhaps he has."
"Probably she knows nothing of the circumstances under which you signedit."
"I have had no opportunity to explain."
"But, Somers, you musn't be too stiff. Any lady would be fully justifiedin refusing to see a gentleman who signed a paper like that, whichcontained her name in such a connection."
"I think so myself; and therefore I will not blame her."
"Pillgrim got you to sign that document for this very purpose."
"I surmised as much."
"But it is a wrong to the lady as well as to you, to permit this thingto go on."
"I have no remedy."
"Write her a note, explaining your position."
"My motives would be misconstrued."
"Then I shall act for you."
Somers went to his hotel, and Mr. Revere did act it for him. Kate wasnot satisfied. A high-minded man would have died rather than sign such apaper. So would Somers, if the bond had any real meaning. The commandantwas not successful in the negotiation, as mediators seldom are in suchcases.
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"I am satisfied, Mr. Revere," said Somers: but he was as far fromsatisfied as a young man could be.
"There is no help for it; but, Somers, I have invited a few friends tomy house this evening, and you must be with us."
"Will Miss Portington be there?"
"She has been invited, with her mother."
"I will go," replied he, still carrying out his principle that it isalways best to "face the music."
He did go. The few friends were about fifty--to celebrate the birthdayof the commandant's lady. There were music, and dancing, and revelry;and Kate Portington was there, with her mother. He saw the fair girl;saw her smile as pleasantly and unconcernedly as though nothing hadhappened. He met her face to face; she bowed coldly, and passed on. Mrs.Portington was not quite so "chilly," but not at all as she had been informer times.
"Mr. Somers, we shall always remember you with gratitude, for theservice you so kindly rendered us," said she.
"It is hardly worth remembering, madam, much less mentioning," repliedSomers.
"It shall always be gratefully remembered, and cordially mentioned. Youcannot yourself regret more than I do, that anything should haveoccurred to disturb the pleasant relations which formerly existed."
"I regret it very much, madam; but as I think I have done my duty to mycountry and to my friends, I must regret it without reproaching myselffor my conduct in that which has proved so offensive."
"Was it your duty to sign that vile paper?" asked the lady, in excitedtones.
"I think it was."
"I must take a different view of the matter; but, Mr. Somers, I shallstill be interested in your success."
"Thank you, madam."
And the lady passed on. Somers looked at Kate. She was dancing with ayoung officer who had greatly distinguished himself in the waters ofNorth Carolina. She looked happy. Was she so? She certainly had awonderful command of herself if she was not. Somers retired at an earlyhour.
Did Kate think he was an adventurer? His superior officer had directedhim to sign the bond, as a "war measure." He had done so with regret anddisgust. The paper meant nothing to him. Why should it mean anything toher and her mother?
The next day, Somers returned to Pinchbrook, where he found certainofficial documents in the post office, directed to him. He was appointedto the command of the Firefly, which was the new name given by thedepartment to the Ben Lomond. The steamer had been duly condemned, andpurchased by the government, her great speed admirably adapting her as acruiser for rebel pirates. Somers was generously rewarded for his zealand success in the capture of the twin steamers, which had been intendedto prey on the commerce of the country.
Acting Ensign Longstone was appointed second lieutenant of the Firefly.The third and fourth lieutenants, and the sailing master, were actingensigns, like Tom Longstone.
All was excitement now at the cottage in Pinchbrook, in anticipation ofSomers's departure. A lieutenant commanding was a higher position thanhe had ever hoped to obtain; but even while he rejoiced over his brightfuture, he could not help being "blue" over his affair at Newport. Hetried to forget the fair lady, but he found that was not an easy matter.He devoted himself to the fitting up of the Firefly, spending part ofhis time at Pinchbrook, till his orders came from Washington. A kindword from Kate would have made him the happiest man in the world. Asthat did not come, he went to sea without it.
