ocially. And she had dared me,
challenged me with her eyes, to remain, and learn more. There was no
promise, no word spoken I could construe into a pledge, and yet there was
invitation, a suggestion, vague but comprehended, which youth could not
easily ignore. My veins throbbed with anticipation--already was my arm
about the slender waist, my eyes looking into her own. For a dance with
her, a possible understanding, I was willing to venture life itself.

I turned about and glanced at the Dragoon riding behind, half tempted to
question him, but I refrained, not willing to make her the subject of
camp-fire gossip. It would be a more manly course to work this out
myself, and surely I should meet officers at the ball who would gladly
present me to the lady. I should be compelled to attend in field uniform,
yet circumstances would excuse that, and what little I had seen of her
convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality. The duty soldier
was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on dress
parade. With a word I dismissed my companion, and turned in to the camp
of the Yagers, sure of a welcome at their mess-table, and a chance to
brush up my soiled clothes.

It must have been nearly nine o'clock when, in company with a young
cornet, I rode up to the house given up to festivities, and, turning over
our horses to the care of cavalry grooms, climbed the wide steps to the
door leading into the hall. Interested as I was in observing faces,
fearful of possible discovery by some one in the crowd, I failed to note
definitely the many decorations, yet I remember how the wide hall was
hung in green and white, each room opening from it possessing a distinct
color scheme, and how, under the gleaming clusters of lights, and
sparkling of glass chandeliers, the gay uniforms of the officers and the
brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent. The vista of those
great rooms, reflected by numerous mirrors, was a scene of confusing
beauty, with flowers everywhere, soft, glowing carpets underfoot, and the
surging crowds passing back and forth. There was scarcely a black coat
present, to yield touch of sombreness to the picture, but scarlet and
blue, green and white, glowing with profusion of gold lace, and
glittering with medals, together with gleaming shoulders, ruffles of
white lace, and shimmering skirts of silk. All was a riot of color, rich,
bewildering, with smiling faces, and laughing lips everywhere. In suc