Arthur remained a few moments, but observing that Miranda was pensive
and absent, he bade her good evening, accepting her urgent invitation to
call at an early period.




CHAPTER XI.


"Well, Arthur," said Harold Hare, entering the room of the former at his
hotel, on the following evening, "I have come to bid you good bye. I
start for home to-morrow morning," he added, in reply to Arthur's
questioning glance. "I am to have a company of Providence boys in my old
friend Colonel R----'s regiment. And after a little brisk recruiting,
ho! for Washington and the wars!"

"You have determined for the war, then?"

"Of course. And you?"

"I shall go to my Vermont farm, and live quietly among my books and
pastures."

"A dull life, Arthur, when every wind that blows will bring to your ears
the swell of martial music and the din of arms."

"If I were in love with the pomp of war, which, thank heaven, I am not,
Harold, I would rather dwell in a hermit's cave, than follow the fife