Capitolas Peril - Page 209/218

Meanwhile Herbert went out and brought in Mrs. Le Noir and Clara. Mrs.

Le Noir, with a Frenchwoman's impetuosity, hurried to her daughter and

clasped her to her heart.

Cap gave one hurried glance at the beautiful pale woman that claimed

from her a daughter's love and then, returning the caress, she said: "Oh, mamma! Oh, mamma! If I were only a boy instead of a girl, I would

thrash that Le Noir within an inch of his life! But I forgot! He has

gone to his account."

Old Hurricane was at this moment shaking hands with his son, Traverse,

who presently took occasion to lead up and introduce his betrothed

wife, Clara Day, to her destined father-in-law.

Major Warfield received her with all a soldier's gallantry, a

gentleman's courtesy and a father's tenderness.

He next shook hands with his old acquaintance, Mrs. Le Noir.

And then supper was ordered and the evening was passed in general and

comparative reminiscences and cheerful conversation.