that I promised
to do what she asked, saying, however, that if she hid herself she must
do it well, for if she were found my reputation for reliability would be
ruined. And standing there where you see that jog in the wall, she
promised, and giving just one look of love to her companion, who stood
white but firm on the threshold, she sped from our sight down the hall.

"A moment later the general's foot was where hers had been, and the
general's voice was filling the house, asking for his daughter.

"'She is not here,' came from the young man in firm and stern accents.
'You have been pleased to think she was with me all these miles, but you
will not find her. You can search if you please. I have nothing to say
against that. But it will be time wasted.'

"'We will see about that. The girl is here, is she not?' the father
asked, turning to me.

"'No,' was my firm reply; 'she is not.'

"I do not know how I managed the lie, but I did. Something in the young
man's aspect had nerved me. I began to think she would not be found,
though I could see no good reason for this conclusion.

"'Scatter!' he now shouted to his followers. 'Search the house well. Do
not leave a nook or cranny unpenetrated. I am not General B---- for
nothing.' And turning to me, he added: 'You have brought this on
yourself by a lie. I saw my daughter in this fellow's arms as they
passed over the ridge of the hill. She is here, and in half an hour
will be in my hands.'

"But the clock on the staircase struck not only the half hour, but the
hour, and yet, though every room and corridor, the cellar and the
garret, were searched, no token was found of the young wife's presence.
Meanwhile the husband stood like a statue on the threshold, waiting with
what seemed to me a strange certitude for the return of the father from
his fruitless search.

"'Has she escaped from one of the windows?' I asked, moved myself to a
strange curiosity.

"He looked at me, but made no reply.

"'It is dark; it is late. If the general chooses to remain here
to-night--'

"'He will not find her,' was the reply.

"I was frightened--I know not why, but I was frightened. The young man
had a supernatural air. I began to think of demon lovers, and was glad
when the general finally appeared, storming and raving.

"'It is a conspiracy!' was his cry. 'You are all in league to deceive
me. Where is my daughter, Mrs. Truax? I ask you because you have a
character to lose.'

"'It i