tongue. But her periling her life to save him from an unjust
accusation, and her desire to shield her brother's pride from
ridicule, is altogether praiseworthy and extraordinary. And the
moral influence of her kindness was strong enough to make that
scamp refuse to tell the plain truth that might implicate her in an
indiscretion, though it saved him from state prison."

"He knew you wouldn't believe him if he had said the clothes were
given to him," retorted Miss Cicely, "so I don't see where the
moral influence comes in. As to her periling her life, those Marsh
people are amphibious anyway, or would be in those clothes. And as
to her motive, why, papa, I heard you say in this very room, and
afterwards to Mr. Calvert, when you gave him instructions, that you
believed those Culpeppers were capable of enticing away deserters;
and you forget the fuss you had with her savage brother's lawyer
about that water front, and how you said it was such people who
kept up the irritation between the Civil and Federal power."

The colonel coughed hurriedly. It is the fate of all great
organizers, military as well as civil, to occasionally suffer
defeat in the family circle.

"The more reason," he said, soothingly, "why we should correct
harsh judgments that spring from mere rumors. You should give
yourself at least the chance of overcoming your prejudices, my
child. Remember, too, that she is now the guest of the Fort."

"And she chooses to stay with Mrs. Bromley! I'm sure it's quite
enough for you and mamma to do duty--and Emily, who wants to know
why Mr. Calvert raves so about her--without MY going over there to