know! I have not seen it since I fell into that
stupor! It must be at the depot or at the hospital."

"Then I will get you a night dress," said Cora.

And then she ran off to her own room, and soon returned with a white
cambric gown, richly trimmed with lace.

When she had prepared her guest for bed, and put her into it, she
lowered the gas and left her to repose. Then she went to her own room,
satisfied to be alone with her memories once more. Soon after she heard
the slow and heavy steps of her grandfather as he passed into his room.

CHAPTER XVII.

"A MAD MARRIAGE, MY MASTERS."

When the party met at a late breakfast the next morning, Mrs. Stillwater
seemed to have quite recovered her health, and what was still better, in
her opinion, her complexion. She was once again a delicately blooming
rose. They were still at breakfast when Sylvanus Haught burst in upon
them, bowed to his grandfather, bowed to Rose Stillwater, and seized
Cora Rothsay around the neck and covered her with kisses, all in a
minute and before he spoke a word. Old Aaron Rockharrt glared at him.
Rose Stillwater smiled on him. But Cora Rothsay put her arms around his
neck and kissed him with tears of pleased affection.

"Well, sir! You have got through," said the Iron King with dignified
gravity.

"Yes, sir, got through, 'by the skin of my teeth,' as I might say! And
got leave of absence, waiting my commission. Hurrah, Cora! Hurrah, the
Rose that all admire! I shall be your cavalier for the next three months
at least, and until they send me out to Fort Devil's Icy Peak, to be
killed and scalped by the redskins!" exclaimed the new fledged soldier,
throwing up his cap.

"Will you have the goodness to remember where you are, sir, and endeavor
to conduct yourself with some manner approximating toward propriety?"
demanded Mr. Rockharrt, with solemn dignity.

"I beg your pardon, grandfather! I beg your pardon, ladies," said
Sylvanus, assuming so sudden and profound a gravity as to inspire a
suspicion of irony in the minds of the two women.

But old Aaron Rockharrt understood only an humble and suitable apology.

"Have you breakfasted?" he inquired in a modified tone.

"No, sir; and I am as hungry as a wolf--I mean I took the first train
down this morning without waiting for breakfast."

The Iron King, whose glare had cut short the first half of the young
man's reply, now rang, and when the waiter appeared, gave the necessary
orders.