my hat as I approached, to cover my confusion. Some trick of the
dancing moon shadows made me imagine that she smiled, and the sight
nerved me instantly to speak bluntly the words I came to say.

"Madam"--I rested my hand upon her horse's mane and looked up at her
with a glance as proud as her own,--"it might be as well for you to
draw the cape closer about your face at present. There are rough men in
all armies who would consider your beauty a lawful prize. The life we
lead is not conducive to gentleness; virtue is not born in camps, and
it would be better not to provoke a danger which may be so easily
avoided."

A wave of sudden color swept her cheeks at my plain speech, and her
hand sought the collar of the cloak, yet paused there irresolute.

"You claimed, I believe, to be an officer and a gentleman," she said
coldly.

I smiled, even as I felt the full chill of her words, and my purpose
stiffened within me.

"Even as I yet claim, and trust to be able to prove to your
satisfaction,"--my eyes looked unfalteringly into hers,--"but,
unfortunately, I have one with me to-night who is neither. I would that
he were for my own sake. However, madam, let that pass. The fact is
here, and we have no time to argue or quarrel. I have already told you
that we ride with despatches for Longstreet. These must go forward at
all hazards, for thousands of human lives depend upon them; yet I dare
not leave you here alone and unprotected to the mercies of the wolves
who haunt these hills."