“The night before last,” he said, not pursuing a subject that she did not wish to discuss with him.  Elizabeth heard something hard in his voice, and saw a new sternness in his face that made her wonder suddenly if Katie’s letter had lacked any kindness that Stephen deserved from her as he stood in the midst of danger and death.  Could she have shown coquetry, or in any way teased him now?

“Well, good-by for the present, my dear, and Heaven keep you,” said the General, giving her hand a cordial pressure.  Archdale bowed, and the two went on, Pepperell at first full of praises of Elizabeth’s courage, though he regretted her decision.  But life and death hung upon his skill and promptness, and he had little time for thoughts of anything but his task.  Henceforth he only took care that Mr. Royal and his daughter were as well protected, and as well cared for as circumstances permitted.

Yet, one evening soon afterward, he saw something which for the moment interested him very much.  Elizabeth, with Nancy Foster who was now more companion than maid, was walking slowly toward her tent.  Both were looking at the gorgeous sunset.  Its brilliancy, vying with that of the deadly fireworks, offered a contrast all the more striking in its restfulness and happy promise.  The two women had grown somewhat accustomed to the cannonade, and as they went on they seemed to be talking without noticing it.  Just then a figure in captain’s uniform came quickly up the slope toward them, and with a most respectful salute, stood bare-headed before Elizabeth.

“Edmonson,” commented the General even before he caught sight of his face.  “Nobody else has that perfection of manner.  Stephen won’t condescend to it.  Edmonson is the most graceful fellow I know.  And, upon honor, I believe he is the most graceless.  But his theories can’t harm that woman.”  Yet as Pepperell stood watching the young man’s expression now that it was turned toward him, and understood by his gestures the eager flow of words that was greeting Elizabeth, he held his breath a moment with a new perception, muttered a little, and stood staring with the frown deepening on his face.  He wanted to catch her answering look, but she had turned about in speaking and her back was toward him.  In an impatient movement at this, he changed his own range of vision somewhat, and all at once caught sight of another face, also bent upon Elizabeth with eager curiosity to catch her expression.  Pepperell turned away delighted.  “After all, he’s not too much of a grand seigneur to have a little human curiosity,” he chuckled, watching the new figure.  “Yes, we’ll do very well to go on a reconnoitering expedition together, you and I, Captain Archdale!” And he laughed to himself as he slipped quietly away, without having been perceived.  “More news to write to pretty Mistress Katie,” he commented, still full of amusement.  Then his thoughts went back again to the problem that was growing daily more