en it shall be everything, dear," her hand-grasp tightening. A
moment she hesitated, looking out across the snow plains, and then back
into his eyes. From their expression she gained courage to proceed,
her voice low, yet clear enough to make every syllable distinctly
audible.

"I--I was frightened when you left me alone on the balcony, and went in
to confront Mrs. Dupont. I knew the woman and suspected that she would
only be too glad to find some indiscretion she could use against me.
It occurred to me that possibly she had seen me enter the parlor and
was there herself to make sure. If so, she would hesitate at no trick
to verify her suspicions. This thought so took possession of me that I
determined to escape if possible. And it appeared easy of
accomplishment. There was but a short drop to the ground, while a few
steps around the end of the hotel would bring me safely to the front
entrance. The temptation to try was irresistible. I heard your voices
within and thought I understood her game. It was dark below, yet I
knew how close the earth was, and there was no sign of any one about.
I clambered over the railing, let myself down as far as I could, and
dropped. The slight fall did not even jar me, yet I was none too soon.
As I crouched there in the darkness, she flung open the curtains, and
looked out on to the vacant balcony. I saw the flash of light, and
heard her laugh--it was not pleasant laughter, for she was disappointed
not to find me there. After the curtains fell again I could no longer
hear your voices, and my sole desire was to get back into the hotel
unobserved. I was not afraid, only I dreaded to meet any one who might
recognize me."

She paused in her recital, as though to recall more clearly the exact
facts, the two riding forward, Hamlin leaning over toward her,
occasionally glancing watchfully behind.

"The guests were already beginning to straggle back to the dance hall
from supper, and I waited in the shadow of the building for an
opportunity to slip into the hotel unobserved. While I hid there a
cavalry soldier from the fort rode up, swung down from his saddle, and
ran up the steps. I heard him ask for Major McDonald. Almost
immediately he came out again, and I passed him on the porch. Just
inside the door I met my father. He was leaving the hotel with Dupont,
and the latter swore savagely when I caught my father's arm, asking
what message the orderly had brought. He answere