He was asking himself if it might be possible
that he would be just in time to witness the nuptials of Matson and
Morgianna. He had never freed himself from the thought that she loved
the lieutenant. Her regard for himself was gratitude not love. He would
not allow himself to believe that she entertained a more tender
sentiment.
When they arrived at Mariana the people congregated in a great crowd on
the beach, and the local martial band, consisting of three drums and a
fife, played "Yankee Doodle." while Fernando and his friends were
escorted to the tavern. Here a local orator, who had been three times an
unsuccessful candidate for a seat in the halls of the legislature, made
a short speech. This had scarcely terminated in three rousing cheers,
when a carriage from Captain Lane's house came rattling down the street.
The captain was in the vehicle.
"Why are you cheering? Who has arrived?" he demanded.
"Major Stevens, who saved Mariana, when the British were about to take
it," the orator answered.
"Where is he?"
"In the tavern."
"But he is not going to stay there!" thundered the old sailor, rolling
out of his carriage and rushing on the piazza. "I have made room in my
own house for him, and, by the trident of Neptune! he shall come
with me."
Fernando, hearing the voice of his old friend, came out to grasp his
hand; and Captain Lane, pointing to his carriage, swore he had come to
take him bag and baggage to his house.
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