opened upon her completely dressed, but withal somewhat pale, and,
if the truth must be told, a little surly.

"And you were stirring so early, Thankful," he said: "'twould have
been but decent to have bidden God-speed to the guests, especially
the baron, who seemed much concerned at your absence."

Miss Thankful blushed slightly, but answered with savage celerity,
"And since when is it necessary that I should dance attendance upon
every foreign jack-in-the-box that may lie at the house?"

"He has shown great courtesy to you, mistress, and is a gentleman."

"Courtesy, indeed!" said Mistress Thankful.

"He has not presumed?" said Mr. Blossom suddenly, bringing his cold
gray eyes to bear upon his daughter's.

"No, no," said Thankful hurriedly, flaming a bright scarlet; "but--
nothing. But what have you there? a letter?"

"Ay,--from the captain, I warrant," said Mr. Blossom, handing her a
three-cornered bit of paper: "'twas left here by a camp-follower.
Thankful," he continued, with a meaning glance, "you will heed my
counsel in season. The captain is not meet for such as you."

Thankful suddenly grew pale and contemptuous again as she snatched
the letter from his hand. When his retiring footsteps were lost on
the stairs she regained her color, and opened the letter. It was
slovenly written, grievously misspelled, and read as follows:--