CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.
"Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder, Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never Remember to have heard." -- SHAKESPEARE.
Early in the morning of a perfect June day, our numerous party arrived at the wharf where lay the steamer that was to carry them to Philadelphia.
The embarkation was made without accident.

Molly had had a nervous dread of her share in it, but under her uncle's careful supervision, was conveyed safely on board.
The weather was very warm, the sea perfectly calm, but as they steamed out of the harbor a pleasant breeze sprang up, and the voyage began most prosperously.
There were a hundred lady passengers, and not more than a dozen gentlemen; but to Virginia's delight, one of these last was a gay dashing young army officer, with whom she had a slight acquaintance.
He caught sight of her directly, hastened to greet her, and they were soon promenading the deck together, engaged in an evident flirtation.
Mr.Dinsmore, seated at some little distance with his daughter and her children about him, watched his niece's proceedings with a deepening frown.

He was not pleased with either her conduct or her companion.
At length, rising and approaching his sister, "Do you know that young man, Louise ?" he asked.
"Not intimately," she returned, bridling.

"He is Captain Brice of the army." "Do you know his character ?" "I have heard that he belongs to a good family, and I can see that he is a gentleman.

I hope you are satisfied." "No, I am not, Louise.