ed in delight upon the moonlit panorama,--the
snow-covered summits to the south and west, the rolling expanse of
upland prairie between, the rough outlines of the foot-hills softened in
the silvery light, the dark shadows of the barracks across the parade,
the twinkling lights of the sergeants as they took their stations, the
soldierly forms of the officers hastening to their companies far across
the frozen level. Suddenly she became aware of two forms coming down the
walk. They issued from Major Waldron's quarters, and the door closed
behind them. One was a young officer; the other, she speedily made out,
a Chinese servant, who was guiding his master. She knew the pair in an
instant, and her first impulse was to retire. Then she reflected that he
could not see, and she wanted to look: so she stayed. They had almost
reached her gate, when a wild blast whirled the officer's cape about his
ears and sent some sheets of music flying across the road. Leaving his
master at the fence, the Chinaman sped in pursuit; and the next thing
she noted was that Mr. Hayne's fur cap was blown from his head and that
he was groping for it helplessly.

There was no one to call, no one to assist. She hesitated one minute,
looked anxiously around, then sprang to the gate, picked up the cap,
pulled it well down over the bandaged eyes, seized the young officer
firmly by the arm, drew him within the gate, and led him to the shelter
of the piazza. Once out of the fury of the gale, she could hear his
question, "Did you get it all, Sam?"

"Not yet," she answered. Oh, how she longed for a deep contralto! "He is
coming. He will be here in a moment."

"I am so sorry to have been a trouble to you," he began again, vaguely.

"You are no trouble to me. I'm glad I was where I happened to see you
and could help."

He spoke no more for a minute. She stood gazing at all that was visible
of the pale face below the darkened eyes. It was so clear-cut, so
refined in feature, and the lips under the sweeping blonde moustache,
though set and compressed, were delicate and pink. He turned his head
eagerly towards the parade; but Sam was still far away. The music had
scattered, and was leading him a lively dance.

"Isn't my servant coming?" he asked, constrainedly. "I fear I'm keeping
you. Please do not wait. He will find me here. You were going
somewhere."

"No,--unless it was here." She was trembling now. "Please be patient,
Mr.--Mr. Hayne. Sam may be a minut