“The poor child,” said Mrs. Bleecker softly.  “Lord!  What a kennel for a human being!”

As we approached we saw Mrs. Rannock crossing the clearing in the distance, laden with wash from the fort; and I briefly acquainted my handsome companion with her tragic history.  Then, coming to the door, I knocked.  A lovely figure opened for us.

So astonished was I—­ it having somehow gone from my mind that Lois could be so changed, that for a moment I failed to recognise her in this flushed and radiant young creature advancing in willowy beauty from the threshold.

As she sank very low in her pretty reverence, I saw her curly hair all dusted with French powder, under the chip hat with its lilac ribbons tied beneath her chin—­ and the beauty-patch on her cheek I saw, and how snowy her hands were, where her fingers held her flowered gown spread.

Then, recovering, she rose gracefully from her reverence, and I saw her clear grey eyes star-brilliant as I had never seen them, and a breathless little smile edging her lips.

On Mrs. Bleecker the effect she produced was odd, for that proud and handsome young matron had flushed brightly at first, lips compressed and almost stern; and her courtesy had been none too supple either.

Then in a stupid way I went forward to make my compliments and bend low over the little hand; and as I recovered myself I found her eyes on me for the first time—­ and for a brief second they lingered, soft and wonderful, sweet, tender, wistful.  But the next moment they were clear and brilliant again with controlled excitement, as Mrs. Bleecker stepped forward, putting out both hands impulsively.  Afterward she said to me: 

“It was her eyes, and the look she gave you, Euan, that convinced me.”

But now, to Lois, she said very sweetly: 

“I am certain that we are to become friends if you wish it as much as I do.”

Lois laid her hands in hers.

“I do wish it,” she said.

“Then the happy accomplishment is easy,” said Mrs. Bleecker, smiling.  “I had expected to yield to you very readily my interest and sympathy, but I had scarce expected to yield my heart to you at our first meeting.”

Lois stood mute, the smile still stamped on her lips.  Suddenly the tears sprang to her eyes, and she turned away hastily; and Mrs. Bleecker’s arm went ’round her waist.

They walked into the house together, and I, still dazed and mazed with the enchanted revelation of her new loveliness, wandered about among the charred stumps, my thoughts a heavenly chaos, as though a million angels were singing in my ears.  I could even have seen them, save for a wondrous rosy mist that rolled around them.

How long I wandered I do not know, but presently the door opened, and Lois beckoned me, and I went in to find Mrs. Bleecker down on her knees on the puncheon floor, among the mass of pretty finery overflowing from the box.