ou."

"She. Who is she?"

"I don't know, sir. She spoke to her father. They are in the room just
across the hall, sir."

The face of Meriwether Lewis was pale when presently he opened the
door leading to the apartment which had been indicated. He knew, or
thought he knew, who this must be. But why--why?

The interior was dim. A single lamp of the inefficient sort then in
use served only to lessen the gloom. Presently, however, he saw
awaiting him the figure he had anticipated. Yes, it was she herself.
Almost his heart stood still.

Theodosia Alston arose from the spot where she sat in the deeper
shadows, and came forward to him. He met her, his hands outstretched,
his pulse leaping eagerly in spite of his reproofs. He dreaded, yet
rejoiced.

"Why are you here?" he asked at length.

"My father and I are on a journey down the river to visit Mr.
Blennerhasset on his island. You know his castle there?"

"Why is it that you always come to torment me the more? Another day
and I should have been gone!"

"Torment you, sir?"

"You rebuke me properly. I presume I should have courage to meet you
always--to speak with you--to look into your eyes--to take your hands
in mine. But I find it hard, terribly hard! Each time it is
worse--because each time I must leave you. Why did you not wait one
day?"

She made no reply. He fought for his self-control.

"Mr. Jefferson, how is he?" he demanded at length. "You left him
well?"

"Unchangeable as flint. You said that only the order of your chief
could change your plans. I sought to gain that order--I went myself to
see Mr. Jefferson, that very day you started. He said that nothing
could alter his faith in you, and that nothing could alter the plan
you both had made. He would not call you back. He ordered me not to
attempt to do so; but I have broken the President's command. You find
it hard! Do you think this is not hard for me also?"

"These are strange words. What is your motive? What is it that you
plan? Why should you seek to stop me when I am trying to blot your
face out of my mind? Strange labor is that--to try to forget what I
hold most dear!"

"You shall not leave my face behind you, Captain Lewis!" she said
suddenly.

"What do you mean, Theodosia? What is it?"

"You shall see me every night under the stars, Meriwether Lewis. I
will not let you go. I will not relinquish you!"

He turned swiftly toward her, but paused as if caught back by some
mighty hand.