In Hyde Manor House, there was that stir of preparation which indicates a departure.  The house was before time; it had the air of early rising; the atmosphere of yesterday had not been dismissed, but lingered around, and gave the idea of haste and change, and departure from regular custom.  It was, indeed, an hour before the usual breakfast-time; but Hyde and Katharine were taking a hasty meal together.  Hyde was in full uniform, his sword at his side, his cavalry cap and cloak on a chair near him; and up and down the gravelled walk before the main entrance a groom was leading his horse.

“I must see what is the matter with Mephisto,” said Hyde.  “How he is snorting and pawing!  And if Park loses control of him, I shall be greatly inconvenienced for both horse and time.”

The remark was partially the excuse of a man who feels that he must go, and who tries to say the hard words in less ominous form.  They both rose together,—­Katherine bravely smiling away tears, and looking exceedingly lovely in her blue morning-gown trimmed with frillings of thread lace; and Hyde, gallant and tender, but still with the air of a man not averse to go back to life’s real duty.  He took Katherine in his arms, kissed away her tears, made her many a loving promise, and then, lifting his cap and cloak, left the room.  The servants were lingering around to get his last word, and to wish him “God-speed;” and for a few minutes he stood talking to his groom and soothing Mephisto.  Evidently he had quite recovered his health and strength; for he sprang very easily into the saddle, and, gathering the reins in his hand, kept the restive animal in perfect control.

A moment he stood thus, the very ideal of a fearless, chivalrous, handsome soldier; the next, his face softened to almost womanly tenderness, for he saw Katherine coming hastily through the dim hall and into the clear sunshine, and in her arms was his little son.  She came fearlessly to his side, and lifted the sleeping child to him.  He stooped and kissed it, and then kissed again the beautiful mother; and calling happily backward, “Good-by, my love; God keep you, love; good-by!” he gave Mephisto his own wild will, and was soon lost to sight among the trees of the park.

[Illustration:  Katherine stood with her child in her arms]

Katherine stood with her child in her arms, listening to the ever faint and fainter beat of Mephisto’s hoofs.  Her husband had gone back to duty, his furlough had expired, and their long, and leisurely honeymoon was over.  But she was neither fearful nor unhappy.  Hyde’s friends had procured his exchange into a court regiment.  He was only going to London, and he was still her lover.  She looked forward with clear eyes as she said gratefully over to herself, “So happy am I!  So good is my husband!  So dear is my child!  So fair and sweet is my home!”