d Sarah
Drummond entered. The heart of Virginia Temple nearly failed her, as she
thought of the coincidence in time of the disappearance of the star and
the summons to her interview with Hansford. Her companion marked her
manner, and in a more gentle voice than she had yet assumed, she said,

"Why art thou cast down, maiden? Let not your heart sink in the
performance of a duty. Have you decided?"

"Must I meet him alone?" asked Virginia. "Oh, how could he make a
request so hard to be complied with!"

"Alone!" said Sarah, with a sneer. "Yes, silly girl, reared in the
school that would teach that woman's virtue is too frail even to be
tempted. Yes, alone! She who cannot trust her honour to a lover, knows
but little of the true power of love."

"I will follow you," replied Virginia, firmly, and throwing a shawl
loosely around her, she rose from her seat and prepared to go.

"Come on, then," said Sarah, quickly, "there is no time to be lost. In
an hour, at most, the triumphant defenders of right will be upon their
march."

The insurgents, wearied with their long march the night and day before,
and finding no accommodation for their numbers in the inn, or elsewhere,
had determined to seek a few hours repose in the green lawn surrounding
the state-house, previous to their night march upon the Indians. It was
here that Hansford had appointed to meet and bid farewell to his
betrothed Virginia. Half leading, half dragging the trembling girl, who
had already well nigh repented her resolution, Sarah Drummond walked
rapidly down the street, in the direction of the state-house. Arrived at
the gate, their further progress was arrested by a rough, uncouth
sentinel, who in a coarse voice demanded who they were.

"I am Sarah Drummond," said the woman, promptly, "and this young maiden
would speak with Major Hansford."

"Why, 'stains, dame, what has become of all your religion, that you
should turn ribibe on our hands, and be bringing young hoydens this time
o' night to the officers. For shame, Dame Drummond."

"Berkenhead," cried the woman, fiercely, "we all know you for a traitor
and a blasphemer, who serve but for the loaves and fishes, and not for
the pure word. You gained your liberty, you know, by betraying your
fellows in the insurrection of '62, and are a base pensioner upon the
bounty of the Assembly for your cowardice and treason. But God often
maketh the carnal-minded of this world to fulfil his will, and so we
must