Beatrice apparently had not heard, for she went on at the same leisurely pace. At her right, touched here and there with silver, the lake lay like a sheet of dusky pearl. Far in the east was spread the glowing tapestry of dawn, and the rising wind stirred the girl's hair faintly as she looked across the water, with the sunrise reflected on her face. Ronald saw her pure, proud profile, touched to exceeding beauty by the magic light of morning, and an unconscious, childish wistfulness in the lines of her mouth. A lump came into his throat and he swallowed hard. The morning was in his blood, and he had a quick sense of uplifting, as if his heart had suddenly found its wings. Then Beatrice turned still more toward him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, softly. All of her harshness seemed to have fallen from her; she was radiant and exquisitely womanly in this new mood, and the boy's soul knelt in worship. "Why wouldn't you let me come alone?" "Because I didn't want you frightened," he answered. The dimple at the corner of her mouth was barely manifest as she said, demurely, "You should have stayed, then; for you are the one who frightened me." "I'm sorry," he said. "I told you that before." "Yes, I know." She sighed, and added, "It was awful, though, and I shall never forget it." "Neither shall I." He was beside her now, for the trail had widened, and he put his hand upon the small white one that held Queen's bridle. "That day," he said huskily, "you put your hand in mine,--when we met the Captain,--a little, cold hand." She nodded, but did not take her hand away. "I was dreadfully frightened then, and you saved me." His blood leaped in his veins. "That's nothing--I'd do more than that for you, any time. I had my reward before I had earned it." The girl's violet eyes opened wide. "I don't understand." "Have you forgotten that I had my arm around you, just for a minute? I have dreamed of it ever since--dear." For an instant she saw him as if he had been a young Greek god, strangely met in the fields of Arcady; then the glamour passed and he was only an awkward soldier in a shabby uniform. She cut Queen with her riding-whip and went furiously ahead, but a boyish, troubled face was close beside her. "Have I offended you?" Beatrice smiled with calm superiority. "You shouldn't say such things," she replied; "you're far too young." "Huh!" he retorted, with spirit, "I'm twenty-five!" "Twenty-five?" she repeated incredulously; "I don't believe it. Why, I'm twenty myself, and I never thought you were more than eighteen." She laughed wickedly as she saw him squirm. Through long experience she had found that shaft one of the most effective in her repertory, which was not by any means limited. More than once it had quenched an incipient declaration as effectually as if it had been a shower of cold water. They rode in silence till they reached the Fort. "Shall I take you across?" he asked.