jor Waldron's cottage, where he had lived so sweet an hour before the
setting of the last sun, then went on again and paused surprised in
front of Captain Rayner's. A bright light was still burning in the front
room on the second floor. Was she, too, awake and thinking of that
interview? He looked wistfully at the lace curtains that shrouded the
interior, and then the clank of a cavalry sabre sounded in his ears, and
a tall officer came springily across the road.

"Who the devil's that?" was the blunt military greeting.

"Mr. Hayne," was the quiet reply.

"What? Mr. Hayne? Oh! Beg your pardon, man,--couldn't imagine who it was
mooning around out here after midnight."

"I don't wonder," answered Hayne. "I am rather given to late hours, and
after reading a long time I often take a stroll before turning in."

"Ah, yes: I see. Well, won't you drop in and chat awhile? I'm officer of
the day, and have to owl to-night."

"Thanks, no, not this time; I must go to bed. Good-night, Mr. Blake."

"Good-night to you, Mr. Hayne," said Blake, then stood gazing
perplexedly after him. "Now, my fine fellow," was his dissatisfied
query, "what on earth do you mean by prowling around Rayner's at this
hour of the night?"

XI.

It was very generally known throughout Fort Warrener by ten o'clock on
the following morning that Mr. Hayne had returned to duty and was one of
the first officers to appear at the _matinee_. Once more the colonel had
risen from his chair, taken him by the hand, and welcomed him. This time
he expressed the hope that nothing would now occur to prevent their
seeing him daily.

"Won't you come in to the club-room?" asked Captain Gregg, afterwards.
"We will be pleased to have you."

"Excuse me, captain, I shall be engaged all morning," answered Mr.
Hayne, and walked on down the row. Nearly all the officers were
strolling away in groups of three or four. Hayne walked past them all
with quick, soldierly step and almost aggressive manner, and was soon
far ahead, all by himself. Finding it an unprofitable subject, there had
been little talk between the two regiments as to what Mr. Hayne's status
should be on his reappearance. Everybody heard that he had somewhat
rudely spurned the advances of Ross and his companions. Indeed, Ross had
told the story with strong coloring to more than half the denizens of
officers' row. Evidently he desired no further friendship or intercourse
with his brother blue-straps; and