of a man and an officer.

"But you will overtake us," Clara replied, out of a charming faith that
with men all things are possible.

"Yes," he said, almost fiercely.

"Besides, Coronado knows," she added, still trusting in the male being.
"He says this is the surest road."

Thurstane did not believe it, but he did not want to alarm her when alarm
was useless, and he made no comment.

"I have a great mind to resign," he presently broke out.

Clara colored; she did not fully understand him, but she guessed that all
this emotion was somehow on her account; and a surprised, warm Spanish
heart beat at once its alarm.

"It would be of no use," he immediately added. "I couldn't get away until
my resignation had been accepted. I must bear this as well as I can."

The young lady began to like him better than ever before, and yet she
began to draw gently away from him, frightened by a consciousness of her
liking.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Van Diemen," said Thurstane, in an inexplicable
confusion.

"There is no need," replied Clara, equally confused.