Yet I found no solace now in all this golden peace; for, of the silence between this maid and me, had been born a vague and malicious thing; and like a subtle demon it had come, now, into my body to turn me sullen and restless with the scarce-formed, scarce-comprehended thoughts it hatched within me. And one of these had to do with Stevie Watts, and how he had come here for the sake of this girl.... And had taken her into his arms under the stars, near the lilacs.... And my lips still warm from hers.... Yet she had gone to him in the dusk.... Was afeard for him.... Pitied him.... And doubtless loved him, whatever she might choose to say to me.... Under any circumstances a coquette; and, innocent or wise, to the manner born at any rate.... And some Tryon County gallant likely to take her measure some day ere she awake from her soft bewilderment at the ways and conducting of mankind. Nick came at eventide, carrying a pike by the gills, and showed us his fingers bleeding of the watery conflict. "Is all calm on the Sacandaga?" I enquired. "Calm as a roadside puddle, Jack. And every day I ask myself if there be truly any war in North America or no, so placid shines God's sun on Tryon.... You mend apace, old friend. Do you suffer fatigue?" "None, Nick. I shall sit at table tonight with Mistress Grant and you----" My voice ceased, and, without warning, the demon that had entered into me began a-whispering. Then the first ignoble and senseless pang of jealousy assailed me to remember that this girl and my comrade had been alone for weeks together--supped all alone at table--companioned each the other while I lay ill!---- Senseless, miserable clod that I was to listen to that demon's whispering till my very belly seemed sick-sore with the pain of it and my heart hurt me under the ribs. Now she rose and looked at Nick and laughed; and they said a word or two I could not quite hear, but she laughed again as though with some familiar understanding, and went lightly away to her evening milking. "We shall be content indeed," said Nick, "that you sit at supper with us, old friend." But I had changed my mind, and said so. "You will not sit with us tonight?" he asked, concerned. I looked at him coldly: "I shall go to bed," said I, "and desire no supper.... Nor any aid whatever.... I am tired. The world wearies me.... And so do my own kind." And I got up and all alone walked to my little chamber. So great an ass was I. CHAPTER XXII HAG-RIDDEN So passed that unreal summer of '76; and so came autumn upon us with its crimsons, purples, and russet-gold; its cherry-red suns a-swimming in the flat marsh fogs; its spectral mists veiling Vlaie Water and curtaining the Sacandaga from shore to shore. Rumours of wars came to us, but no war; gossip of armies and of battles, but no battles.