“No, dear,” said Cora, “we can only stay a very few minutes.  The rising moon will see us far away on our route to New York.”

“W-h-y!  You astonish me!  How sudden this is!  Where are you going?” asked Violet, pausing in her hurry to call a groom.

“Let me explain,” said Cora, taking one of the Quaker chairs and seating herself.  “Sylvan has just received his commission as second lieutenant in the 3d Regiment of Infantry, now on Governor’s Island, New York harbor, but under orders for Fort Farthermost, on the extreme frontier of the Indian Reserve.  He leaves by the afternoon express, and I go with him.”

“Cora!” exclaimed Violet, as she dropped into her chair.  “I know you have talked about this, but I never thought you would do such a wild deed!  Please don’t think of going out among bears and Indians!”

“I must, dear, for many reasons.  Sylvan and myself are all and all to each other at present, and we should not be parted.  More than that, I wish to do something in the world.  I can not do anything here.  I am not wanted, you see.  I must, therefore, go where I may be wanted and may do some good.”

“But what can you do—­out there?”

Cora then explained her plan of establishing a missionary home and school for Indian children.

“What a good, great, but, oh, what a Quixotic plan!  Sylvan, why will you let her do it?” pleaded Violet.

“My dear, I would not presume to oppose Cora.  If she thinks she is right in this matter, then she is right.  If her resolution is fixed, then I will uphold and defend her in that resolution,” said the young lieutenant, loyally.  But all the same his secret thought was that some fine fellow in his own regiment might be able to persuade Cora to devote her time and fortune to him, instead of to the redskins.

After a little more talk Cora got up and kissed Violet good-by.  Sylvan followed her example with a little more ardor than was absolutely necessary, perhaps.

At Rockhold luncheon was on the table, and young Mrs. Rockharrt waiting for them.  Mr. Clarence was also at home, having determined to risk his father’s displeasure and to neglect his business on this one day—­this last day, for the sake of the niece and the nephew who were so dear to his heart.

After luncheon Sylvan went out to oversee the loading of the farm van, which was drawn by two sturdy mules, with the many heavy trunks and boxes that contained Cora’s wardrobe and books—­among the latter a large number of elementary school books.  Mr. Clarence stood by his side to help him in case of need.  Cora went up to her room, where nothing was now left to be done but to pack her little traveling bag with the necessaries for her journey, and then put on her traveling suit.  She had a quantity of valuable jewelry, but this she put carefully into her hand bag, intending to convert it all into money as soon as she should reach New York, and to consecrate the fund, with the bulk of her fortune, to her projected home school for the Indian children.