solutely trust
were our old house servants."

"You doubted me even?"

"Yes, at first, but you must not blame me. We met strangely; you were a
gentleman and an officer; I felt sure of this, and was tempted oftentimes
to tell you my story. But before I dared do so, you--you spoke of other
things and--and then I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" and I caught her hand in mine. "That a knowledge of
what you were attempting to accomplish would turn me against you?"

Her eyes fell, shaded by the long lashes.

"Yes; once, do you remember I almost began a confession, when you spoke
of your old-fashioned mother, and her conception of womanhood. How could
I tell you then that I had dressed as a man, and played the part of a
spy? I--I thought you might despise me, and--and I wished so to retain
your respect. It was an accident we were with Delavan that night. We were
endeavoring to waylay a courier, and rode suddenly into his party. I had
to invent a tale on the spur of the moment. Major Lawrence, now that you
know all, tell me the one thing I must know before we join the
others--would you wish your own sister to do as I have done?"

"Not to pass through the dangers, surely," I returned eagerly, "but I
should rejoice at her loyalty, and be proud of her. Claire, Claire, there
has never been in my heart aught but love for you. As Lady of the Blended
Rose, as daughter of a Colonel of Queen's Rangers, even in the disguise
of a Dragoon, I have never questioned the depth of your womanhood. Once I
guessed you a British spy, yet ceased not to love you. Am I to have my
reward? You know little of me, as you say, but as an officer and a
gentleman, I ask you to repeat again what you whispered to me once out
yonder under the stars--do you remember, dear?"

"It was only to compel you to leave me."

"And now it is an invitation to remain."

Her eyes were uplifted to mine. Slowly I drew her toward me, her arms
were upon my shoulders, and our lips met.

"I love you," she said slowly. "Yes, dear, I love you."

Above us, his head thrust through the opening, Farrell called:

"Have you found her, Major? Shall I come down?"

"It's not necessary."

"The Colonel is half crazy, and the boy is getting back his senses."

We went up together, I bearing the candle in one hand, and helping her
along the circular stairs with the other. In the upper hall I glanced
below, but the bodies of the dead had been removed. Farrell stood
bareheaded, a grea