demeanor together, he was attractive.

He saluted the ladies as if they were his superior officers. It was a
kindly address, but ceremonious; it was almost humble, and yet it was
self-respectful.

"I have some great news," he presently said, in the full masculine tone of
one who has done much drilling. "That is, it is great to me. I change
station."

"How is that?" asked Clara eagerly. She was not troubled at the thought of
losing a beau; we must not be so hard upon her as to make that
supposition; but here was a trustworthy friend going away just when she
wanted counsel and perhaps aid.

"I have been promoted first lieutenant of Company I, Fifth Regiment, and I
must join my company."

"Promoted! I am glad," said Clara.

"You ought to be pleased," put in Aunt Maria, staring at the grave face of
the young man with no approving expression. "I thought men were always
pleased with such things."

"So I am," returned Thurstane. "Of course I am pleased with the step. But
I must leave Santa Fé. And I have found Santa Fé very pleasant."

There was so much meaning obvious in these last words that Clara's face
colored like a sunset.