He understood her thoroughly, and they cantered homeward, conversing upon indifferent subjects and reverting no further to their previous somewhat enigmatical theme.

On the following afternoon, at four o’clock precisely, the horses were at the door, and five minutes afterward a mounted officer, followed by two troopers, galloped up the lane and drew rein at the gateway.

Harold was arranging the girths of Oriana’s saddle, and she herself was standing in her riding-habit beside the porch.  The officer, dismounting, approached her and raised his cap in respectful salute.  He was young and well-looking, evidently one accustomed to polite society.

“Good afternoon, Captain Haralson,” said Oriana, with her most gracious smile.  “I am very glad to see you, although, as you bring your military escort, I presume you come to see Beverly upon business, and not for the friendly visit you promised me.  But Beverly is not here.”

“I left him at the camp on duty, Miss Weems,” replied the captain.  “It is my misfortune that my own duties have been too strict of late to permit me the pleasure of my contemplated visit.”

“I must bide my time, captain.  Let me introduce my friend.  Captain Hare, our prisoner, Mr. Haralson; but I know you will help me to make him forget it, when I tell you that he was my brother’s schoolmate and is our old and valued friend.”

The young officer took Harold frankly by the hand, but he looked grave and somewhat disconcerted as he answered: 

“Captain Hare, as a soldier, will forgive me that my duty compels me to play a most ungracious part upon our first acquaintance.  I have orders to return with him to headquarters, where I trust his acceptance of parole will enable me to avail myself of your introduction to show him what courtesy our camp life admits, in atonement for the execution of my present unpleasant devoir.”

“I shall esteem your acquaintance the more highly,” answered Harold, “that you know so well to blend your soldiership with kindness.  I am entirely at your disposition, sir, having only to apologize to Miss Weems for the deprivation of her contemplated ride.”

“Oh, no, we must not lose our ride,” said Oriana.  “It is perhaps the last we shall enjoy together, and such a lovely afternoon.  I am sure that Captain Haralson is too gallant to interrupt our excursion.”

She turned to him with an arch smile, but he looked serious as he replied: 

“Alas!  Miss Weems, our gallantry receives some rude rebuffs in the harsh school of the soldier.  It grieves me to mar your harmless recreation, but even that mortification I must endure when it comes in the strict line of my duty.”

“But your duty does not forbid you to take a canter with us this charming afternoon.  Now put away that military sternness, which does not become you at all, and help me to mount my pretty Nelly, who is getting impatient to be off.  And so am I. Come, you will get into camp in due season, for we will go only as far as the Run, and canter all the way.”