She pointed to a chair near the hall door and faltered, “Lieutenant Scoville, I scarcely know whether I am doing right in seeing you here alone.  I know little of the usages of society.  I do not wish to appear to you unrefined.”

“Miss Baron,” he replied kindly, “I do not know why you have not the same right which other young ladies enjoy, of entertaining a gentleman at your home.”

“Oh, I am so glad that you are not angry.”

“I was never more lamb-like in my disposition than at this moment.  Moreover, I wish to thank you as a brave girl and a genuine lady.”

She was almost panting in her strong excitement and embarrassment.  “Please remember,” she said, “that I do not wish to do or say anything unbecoming, but I know so little and have been so tried—­”

“Miss Baron,” and he spoke low for fear he would be overheard, “I already know something of what you have passed through and of your brave assertion of a sacred right.  Continue that assertion and no one can force you into marriage.  I have ridden nearly twenty-four hours to be here in time and to make some return for your great kindness, but you were so brave that you scarcely needed help.”

“Oh!  I did need it.  I was so frightened and so desperate that I was almost ready to faint.  My cousin is one who will have his own way.  He has never been denied a thing in his life, I should have been taken away at least and then—­oh, I just felt as if on the edge of a precipice.  It seems dreadful that I should be speaking so of my kindred to a stranger and enemy—­”

“Enemy!  Far from it.  A friend.  Have you not protected my life and liberty?  Miss Baron, I give you my sacred word, I swear to you by my mother’s memory to be as loyal to you as if you were my own sister.  Young as I am, perhaps I can advise you and help you, for it is indeed clear that you need a friend.”

“I cannot tell you what relief your words bring, for, inexperienced as I am, something assures me that I can trust you.”

“Indeed you can.  I should spoil my own life more truly than yours if I were not true to my oath.  Please remember this and have confidence.  That is what you need most—­confidence.  Believe in yourself as well as in me.  Have you not been brave and true to yourself in the most painful of ordeals?  Try to keep your self-control and you will make no serious mistakes, and never so misjudge me as to imagine I shall not recognize your good intentions.”

“Ah!” she sighed, with a rush of tears, “that’s the trouble.  I’m so hasty; I lose my temper.”

He smiled very genially as he said, “If you were as amiable as some girls you would have been married before this.  Don’t you see in what good stead your high spirit has stood you?  I do not censure righteous anger when you are wronged.  You are one who could not help such anger, and, if controlled, it will only help you.  All I ask is that you so control it as to take no false steps and