m I was speaking," he said.
"It is Julien de Langeais, son of that beautiful cousin, Flora de
Crespigny, and of that gallant and noble man, Gerard de Langeais,
with whom I fought the duel. I did not know that you would be here,
Julien, and the surprise makes the pleasure all the greater."

"I did not know myself, sir, until an hour ago, that I could come,"
replied young de Langeais, "but it is a glorious sight, sir, and I'm
truly glad to be here."

His eyes sparkled at the sight of the dancers and his feet beat time
to the music. Harry saw that here was one who was in love with life,
a soul akin to that of Langdon, and he and his comrades liked him at
once and without reservations. Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire saw how
they received him and his splendid mustaches curled up with pleasure.

"Go with them, Julien," he said, "and they will see that you enjoy
yourself to the full. They are good boys. Meanwhile I have a dance
with that beautiful Mrs. Edgehill, and if I am not there, Leonidas,
honorable and lofty-minded as he is, but weak where the ladies are
concerned, will insert himself into my place."

"Go, sir. Do not delay on my account," said young de Langeais. "I'm
sure that I'll fare well here."

Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire hurried away. Both he and Colonel Talbot
were fully maintaining their reputations as dancing men. St. Clair
and Langdon had partners, and making apologies they left to join them.
Harry and Dalton remained with de Langeais.

"Colonel St. Hilaire said that you were with Longstreet," said Harry.

"I am, or rather was. At least our regiment belongs with him, but when
he was detached to meet the possible march on Richmond we were left with
General Lee, and I am glad of it."

"The great operations are sure to be where Lee and Jackson are."

They got along so well that in another hour they felt as if they had
known de Langeais all their lives. The night lengthened. Refreshments
were served at times, but the dancers took them in relays. The dancing
in the ballroom never ceased, and Jeb Stuart nearly always led it.

It was after midnight now and Harry and his new friend, de Langeais,
throwing their military cloaks over their shoulders, walked out on one
of the porticos for air. Many people, black and white, had gathered as
usual to watch the dancing.

Harry glanced at them casually, and then he saw a large figure almost
behind the others. His intuition was sudden, but he had n