Terrence had just arrived an hour
before in Baltimore, having come from a long cruise in which he brought
four prizes, for the privateers were slow to learn that the war was
over. He had put up at a rival house across the street and just removed
his coat for a bath, when, looking out of the window, he recognized his
old friend alighting from the stage coach.
All former arrangements were cancelled and Fernando and Terrence that
evening occupied the same room. There was much to talk about. Terrence
told him that Mr. Hugh St. Mark the "illigant" gunner had served in the
last cruise on his vessel, and he never seemed to tire of talking about
him. He was a "gintleman," from the sole of his foot to the crown of his
head. Mr. St. Mark was on the ship in the harbor, and next day came
ashore. He greeted the major with his kind quiet smile. Fernando learned
that neither had been to Mariana since the bombardment and destruction
of the _Xenophon_. He prevailed on them to accompany him, and next day
in a swift yacht they sailed out of the harbor and down the coast. The
scenery revived many recollections of Fernando's early experience. They
passed the point where he had fought his duel, and he could not repress
a smile at the ludicrous termination of what had so nearly proved a
serious affair. Terrence did most of the talking, for Fernando was busy
with his own reflections.
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