"But--ah--you see," said he, "the trouble is,--what I said then is not what I have to say now. You must understand, Miss Philipse, that I am devoted to a soldier's career. All my time, all my heart, my very life, belong to the service. Thus I am, in a manner, bound no less on my side, than you--I beg your pardon--" "What do you mean?" She spoke quietly, yet was the picture of open-eyed astonishment. "Cannot you see?" he faltered. "You mean"--her tone acquired resentment as her words came--"that I, too, am bound on _my_ side,--to Mr. Colden?" "I did not say so," he replied, abashed, cursing his heedless tongue. He would not, for much, have reminded her of any duty on her part. She regarded him for a moment in silence, while the clouds of indignation gathered. Then the storm broke. "You poltroon, I _do_ see! You wish to take back your declaration, because you are afraid of Colden's vengeance!" "Afraid? I afraid?" he echoed, mildly, surprised almost out of his voice at this unexpected inference. "Yes, you craven!" she cried, and seemed to tower above her common height, as she stood erect, tearless, fiery-eyed, and clarion-voiced. "Your cowardice outweighs your love! Go from my sight and from my father's house, you cautious lover, with your prudent scruples about the rights of your rival! Heavens, that I should have listened to such a coward! Go, I say! Spend no more time under this roof than you need to get your belongings from your room. Don't stop for farewells! Nobody wants them! Go,--and I'll thank you to leave my cloak behind you!" [Illustration: "'GO, I SAY!'"] Silenced and confounded by the force of her denunciation, he stupidly dropped the cloak to the floor where he stood, and stumbled from the room, as if swept away by the torrent of her wrath and scorn. CHAPTER X. THE PLAN OF RETALIATION. It was in the south hall that he found himself, having fled through the west door of the parlor, forgetful that his hat still remained on the table. He naturally continued his retreat up the stairs to his chamber. The only belongings that he had to get there were his broken sword, his scabbard, and belt. These he promptly buckled on, resolved to leave the house forthwith. Still tingling from the blow of her words, he yet felt a great relief that the task was so soon over, and that her speedy action had spared him the labor of the long explanation he had thought to make. As matters stood, they could not be improved. Her love had turned to hate, in the twinkling of an eye.