ughter, or an unrestrained outburst of
profanity. Once shots echoed from out the din, but created no apparent
excitement, and a little later a dozen horsemen spurred recklessly
through the street, scattering the crowd, their revolvers sputtering.
Some altercation arose opposite and a voice called loudly for the
guard, but the trouble soon ceased with the clump of hoofs, dying away
in the distance, the regimental band noisily blaring out a waltz.
Hamlin, immersed in his own thoughts, scarcely observed the turmoil,
but leaned, arms on railing, gazing out into the darkness. Something
mysterious from out the past had gripped him; he was wondering how he
should greet her when she came; speculating on her purpose in sending
for him.

It seemed as though he waited a long time before the curtain at the
window was thrust aside and the lady emerged, the slight rustling of
her dress apprising him of her presence. The curtain still held
slightly back by her hand permitted the light from within to reflect
over her figure, revealing in softened outline the beauty of her
features, the flossy brightness of her hair. She was in evening dress,
a light shawl draping her shoulders. An instant she paused in
uncertainty, striving to distinguish his face; then stepped impulsively
forward, and held out her hands.

"I have kept you waiting, but you must forgive that, as I came as soon
as I could manufacture an excuse. Won't you even shake hands with me?"

"Is it necessary?" he asked, almost wearily. "You have come to me for
some purpose surely, but it can hardly be friendship."

"Why should you say that?" reproachfully. "I have deserted a rather
brilliant party to meet you here."

"That, perhaps, is why I say it, Mrs. Dupont. If my memory serves, you
would not be inclined to leave such friends as you have yonder to
rendezvous with a common soldier, unless you had some special object in
view. If you will inform me what it is, we can very quickly terminate
the interview."

She laughed, a little touch of nervousness in the voice, but drew her
skirts aside, and sat down on the bench.

"Do you think you can deceive me by such play-acting?" she asked
eagerly. "You are no man of wood. Tell me, is there nothing you care
to ask me, after--after all these years?"

Hamlin lifted his eyes and looked at her, stirred into sudden interest
by the almost caressing sound of the soft voice.

"Yes," he said slowly, "there are some things I s