Did he
know it or care? Then she dismissed him and fell asleep.
As John Penhallow near to noon came out a little weary and anxious from
the examination ordeal, he chanced on his uncle and Leila waiting with
the officer of the day, who said to him, "After dinner you are free for
the rest of the afternoon. Mr. Penhallow has asked me to relieve you."
As he bade them good-morning, his uncle said, "How goes the examination?"
"Don't ask me yet, sir; but I cannot go home until the end of next week.
Then I shall know the result."
"But what examination remains?" persisted the Squire.
"Don't ask him, Uncle Jim."
"Well--all right."
"Thank you, Leila. I am worn out. I am glad of a let-up. I dream
equations and pontoon bridges--and I must do some work after dinner. Then
I will find you and Uncle Jim on Fort Putnam, at five."
"I want to talk with Beauregard," said Penhallow, "about the South. Leila
can find her way."
"I can," she said. "I want to sketch the river, and that will give me
time."
"Oh, there goes the dinner call. Come in at a quarter to one with Uncle
Jim. I have leave to admit you. There will be something to interest you."
"And what, John--men eating?"
"No. One of my best friends, Gresham from South Carolina, has been
ordered home by his father.
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