We turned, following them at a swift gallop. They had helped me out of that mire of ecstasy, and now I was glad, for, on my soul, I believed the fair girl had found one more to her liking, and was only playing for my scalp. And at last I had begun to know my own heart, or thought I had. D'ri came over that evening with a letter from General Brown. He desired me to report for duty next day at two. "War--it is forever war," said Therese, when I told her at dinner. "There is to be a coaching-party to-morrow, and we shall miss you, captain." "Can you not soon return?" said the baroness. "I fear not," was my answer. "It is to be a long campaign." "Oh, the war! When will it ever end?" said Louise, sighing. "When we are all dead," said Louison. "Of loneliness?" said the old count, with a smile. "No; of old age," said Louison, quickly. "When the army goes into Canada it will go into trouble," said the Comte de Chaumont, speaking in French. "We shall have to get you out of captivity, captain." "Louise would rescue him," said her sister. "She has influence there." "Would you pay my ransom?" I inquired, turning to her. "With my life," said she, solemnly. "Greater love hath no man than this," said the good Pere Joulin, smiling as the others laughed. "And none has greater obligation," said Louise, blushing with embarrassment. "Has he not brought us three out of captivity?" "Well, if I am taken," I said, "nothing can bring me back unless it be--" "A miracle?" the baroness prompted as I paused. "Yes; even a resurrection," was my answer. "I know what it means for a man to be captured there these days." Louise sat beside me, and I saw what others failed to notice--her napkin stop quickly on its way to her lips, her hand tighten as it held the white linen. It made me regretful of my thoughtless answer, but oddly happy for a moment. Then they all besought me for some adventure of those old days in the army. I told them the story of the wasps, and, when I had finished, our baroness told of the trouble it led to--their capture and imprisonment. "It was very strange," said she, in conclusion. "That Englishman grew kinder every day we were there, until we began to feel at home." They were all mystified, but I thought I could understand it. We had a long evening of music, and I bade them all good-by before going to bed, for they were to be off early. Well, the morning came clear, and before I was out of bed I heard the coach-horn, the merry laughter of ladies under my window, the prancing hoofs, and the crack of the whip as they all went away. It surprised me greatly to find Louise at the breakfast table when I came below-stairs; I shall not try to say how much it pleased me. She was gowned in pink, a red rose at her bosom. I remember, as if it were yesterday, the brightness of her big eyes, the glow in her cheeks, the sweet dignity of her tall, fine figure when she rose and gave me her hand.