She turned suddenly and answered Hardinge's laugh with a smile, but there was the tell-tale blood in her cheek. "Come now, dear, isn't he handsome?" continued Roderick, proud of his triumph and full of mischief. "Well, yes, he is handsome," answered Pauline with a delicious pout and mock-show of aggressiveness. "And what else?" "Modest." "What else?" "Refined." "What else?" "Educated." "What else?" "Kind." "Kind to you, dear?" "Particularly kind to me." "Thank him for that. He could choose no worthier object of his kindness. Excuse my teasing you, Pauline. It was only a bit of fun. I quite agree in your estimate of this American officer. He and I ought to be friends, instead of enemies." "You will be friends yet," said Pauline with a tone of conviction. "Alas!" A pause ensued during which despondent thoughts flashed through the brain of Roderick Hardinge. All the horrors of war loomed up in a lump before him, and the terrible uncertainties of battle revealed themselves keenly. He had never felt his position so deeply before. This rebel was as good as himself, perhaps better. They might have met and enjoyed life together. Now their duty was to do each to death, or entail as much loss as possible upon one another. Losses! What if one of these losses should be that of the lovely creature at his side? That were indeed the loss of all losses. But no, he would not entertain the thought. He tossed up his head and drank in the cold air with expanded lungs. He felt Pauline's small hand upon his arm. The touch thrilled his whole being. "Look, Roddy," she said pointing to the plain. XI. HORSEMAN AND AMAZON.