"Oh, no, say not so," she suddenly exclaimed, sinking on her knees at his feet, and holding up her hands in an attitude of supplication; "can that be ill in your eyes which brings happiness to the heart of your loving wife? Pity rather the existence of those fears which cause her to tremble, lest the cup be dashed from her lips ere yet half tasted. Oh! I dare not speak more plainly--not yet--not yet--to-morrow--then shall the restraint be removed, from my lips and heart, and, whatever be the result, you shall know all. I feel that to you I must appear to speak in parables and mystery; but oh, since yesterday, I feel that I am not myself." She drooped her head upon his shoulder, and wept profoundly. "Calm yourself, dearest; I will harass you with no more converse on this subject to-night. Let one remark suffice. I am afraid that Captain Headley will refuse permission for us to venture as far as Hardscrabble; he thinks it attended by risk to the officers on the part of the Indians; of course, much more to you." "Nay, Ronayne, there cannot surely be a greater risk incurred there than in venturing on a fishing excursion, as you have done to-night. Besides, we need not let him know that we are going in that direction." "What! you wicked mutineer," chided Ronayne, playfully, "do you recommend insubordination? Would you have me to disobey the orders of the commanding officer? Oh, fie!" "Not exactly that," she returned, with a slight blush; "but gratify me only this once, and I will never allow you to break an order again." "Nay, sweetest, I did but jest; were my life the penalty, I would not deny you." "Ah! how little does he think that more than life depends upon it," murmured Mrs. Ronayne to herself. "Or who could have supposed yesterday that my heart would have been oppressed by the feelings which assail it now? Wau-nan-gee--strange, wildly--loving, fascinating, and incomprehensible boy--with what confidence do I repose on your truth; with what joy do I at length glory in that devotedness which has made you so wholly, so exclusively mine." These words were abstractedly, almost involuntarily, uttered in a low tone, as Ronayne left the room in search of Doctor Von Voltenberg, who he was desirous should, for the better protection of his wife from accident, accompany them on their ride of to-morrow. She herself soon retired for the night, but not to rest.