he old
colonel. "Why, Jeanie," he added, taking the fair girl tenderly in his
arms, "you are not half the heroine you were when the Indians were here.
There now, that's a sweet girl, open your blue eyes and tell old father
what is the matter."

"Nothing, dear father," said Virginia, faintly, as she slowly opened her
eyes. "I have been very foolish, that's all."

"Nay, Jeanie, it takes more than nothing or folly to steal the bloom
away from these rosy cheeks."

"Perhaps the young gentleman can explain more easily," said Bernard,
fixing his keen eyes on his rival. "A little struggle, perhaps, between
love and loyalty."

"Mr. Bernard, with all his shrewdness, would probably profit by the
reflection," said Hansford, coldly, "that as a stranger here, his
opinions upon a matter of purely family concern, are both unwelcome and
impertinent."

"May be so," replied Bernard with a sneer; "but scarcely more unwelcome
than the gross and continued deception practised by yourself towards
those who have honoured you with their confidence."

Hansford, stung by the remark, laid his hand upon his sword, but was
withheld by Colonel Temple, who cried out with impatience,

"Why, what the devil do you mean? Zounds, it seems to me that my house
is bewitched to-day. First those cursed Indians, with their infernal
yells, threatening death and destruction to all and sundry; then my
daughter here, playing the fool before my face, according to her own
confession; and lastly, a couple of forward boys picking a quarrel with
one another after a few hours' acquaintance. Damn it, Tom, you were wont
to have a plain tongue in your head. Tell me, what is the matter?"

"My kind old friend," said Hansford, with a tremulous voice, "I would
fain have reserved for your private ear, an explanation which is now
rendered necessary by that insolent minion, whose impertinence had
already received the chastisement it deserves, but for an unfortunate
interruption."

"Nay, Tom," said the Colonel, "no harsh words. Remember this young man
is my guest, and as such, entitled to respect from all under my roof."

"Well then, sir," continued Hansford, "this young lady's agitation was
caused by the fact that I have lately pursued a course, which, while I
believe it to be just and honourable, I fear will meet with but little
favour in your eyes."

"As much in the dark as ever," said the Colonel, perplexed beyond
measure, for his esteem for Hansford prevented him f