lips. Her very presence was a moral tonic, and I felt it would be
easier to tear out my tongue than to utter anything which she could
construe into possible insult. The very depth of her perfect womanhood
was itself protection, and, until the veil was finally lifted, my lips
were vowed to silence.

She waited quietly while a couple passed us and sought seats nearer the
door.

"Tell me the entire story," she said gently.

As quickly as possible I reviewed the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting. Without denying the presence of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with General Sheridan, I did not dwell upon
it, nor mention the personal affray that had occurred between us. Even
had I not supposed the man to be her husband I should never have taken
advantage of his treachery to advance my own cause. God knows I have
enough failings to account for, but I have never done my fighting in
the dark. Neither did I speak of the information I now sought to bring
to Lee, for her sympathy, her interest, her loyalty, were all with the
opposing army. She followed my narrative eagerly, her eyes growing
darker with intensity of interest as I depicted our eventful climb up
the black chimney, and my venture down the stairs into the crowded
ballroom. As I concluded there was a tear glistening on her long
lashes, but she seemed unconscious of it, and made no attempt to dash
it away.

"You have not told me all," she commented quietly. "But I can
understand and appreciate the reason for your silence. I know Frank's
impetuosity, and you are very kind, Captain Wayne, to spare my