It cannot be estimated just how great a disappointment her visit to the frontier was proving to that young lady, simply because she kept her own counsel.  There were women in the garrison who longed to take her to their hearts and homes, she was so fresh and pure and sweet and winning, they said; but how could they, when her sister would recognize them only by the coldest possible nod?  Nellie was not happy, that was certain, though she made no complaint, and though the young officers who were daily her devotees declared she was bright and attractive as she could be.  There were still frequent dances and parties in the garrison, but March was nearly spent, and the weather had been so vile and blustering that they could not move beyond the limits of the post.  April might bring a change for the better in the weather, but Miss Travers wondered how it could better her position.

It is hard for a woman of spirit to be materially dependent on any one, and Miss Travers was virtually dependent on her brother-in-law.  The little share of her father’s hard savings was spent on her education.  Once free from school, she was bound to another apprenticeship, and sister Kate, though indulgent, fond, and proud, lost no opportunity of telling her how much she owed to Captain Rayner.  It got to be a fearful weight before the first summer was well over.  It was the main secret of her acceptance of Mr. Van Antwerp.  And now, until she would consent to name the day that should bind her for life to him, she had no home but such as Kate Rayner could offer her; and Kate was bitterly offended at her.  There was just one chance to end it now and forever, and to relieve her sister and the captain of the burden of her support. Could she make up her mind to do it?  And Mr. Van Antwerp offered the opportunity.

So far from breaking with her, as she half expected,—­so far from being even angry and reproachful on receiving the letter she had written telling him all about her meetings with Mr. Hayne,—­he had written again and again, reproaching himself for his doubts and fears, begging her forgiveness for having written and telegraphed to Kate, humbling himself before her in the most abject way, and imploring her to reconsider her determination and to let him write to Captain and Mrs. Rayner to return to their Eastern home at once, that the marriage might take place forthwith and he could bear her away to Europe in May.  Letter after letter came, eager, imploring, full of tenderest love and devotion, full of the saddest apprehension, never reproaching, never doubting, never commanding or restraining.  The man had found the way to touch a woman of her generous nature:  he had left all to her; he was at her mercy; and she knew well that he loved her fervently and that to lose her would wellnigh break his heart.  Could she say the word and be free?  Surely, as this man’s wife there would be no serfdom; and, yet, could she wed a man for whom she felt no spark of love?