This was done almost instantly, and the foul mouth was also stopped by a gag.

Merwyn returned to his camp-stool, and coolly removed the cigar from his mouth as he glanced towards Marian.  Although white and agitated, she was speaking eager, complimentary, and at the same time soothing words to Strahan, who, in accordance with his excitable nature, was in a violent passion.  She did not once glance towards the man who had probably saved her friend’s life, but Strahan came and shook hands with him cordially, saying:  “It was handsomely and bravely done, Merwyn.  I appreciate the service.  You ought to be an officer, for you could make a good one,—­a better one than I am, for you are as cool as a cucumber.”

Others, also, would have congratulated Merwyn had not his manner repelled them, and in a few moments the drill began.  Long before it was over Marian rose and went towards her phaeton.  In a moment Merwyn was by her side.

“You are not very well, Miss Vosburgh,” he said.  “Let me drive you home.”

She bowed her acquiescence, and he saw that she was pale and a little faint; but by a visible effort she soon rallied, and talked on indifferent subjects.

At last she said, abruptly:  “I am learning what war means.  It would seem that there is almost as much danger in enforcing discipline on such horrible men as in facing the enemy.”

“Of course,” said Merwyn, carelessly.  “That is part of the risk.”

“Well,” she continued, emphatically, “I never saw a braver act than that of Mr. Strahan.  He was unarmed.”

“I was also!” was the somewhat bitter reply, “and you did not even thank me by a look for saving your friend from a bad wound to say the least.”

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Merwyn, you were armed with a strength which made your act perfectly safe.  Mr. Strahan risked everything.”

“How could he help risking everything?  The infuriated beast was coming towards you as well as him.  Could he have run away?  You are not just to me, or at least you are very partial”

“One can scarcely help being partial towards one’s friends.  I agree with you, however; Mr. Strahan could not have taken any other course.  Could you, with a friend in such peril?”

“Certainly not, with any one in such peril.  Let us say no more about the trifle.”

She was silent a moment, and then said, impetuously:  “You shall not misunderstand me.  I don’t know whether I am unjust or not.  I do know that I was angered, and cannot help it.  You may as well know my thoughts.  Why should Mr. Strahan and others expose themselves to such risks and hardships while you look idly on, when you so easily prove yourself able to take a man’s part in the struggle?  You may think, if you do not say it, that it is no affair of mine; but with my father, whom I love better than life, ready at any moment to give his life for a cause, I cannot patiently see utter indifference to that cause in one who seeks my society.”