Itrevealedonthelipsofthosewhohadbeenmortallywoundedandhadturnedupontheirsidethereliefwhichdeathhadbroughttheirsuffering，sometimesshowninafaintsmile。Mountinghigher，itglancedupontheactualbattleline，curiouslycurvingfortheshelterofwalls，fences，andbreastworks，andherethedeadlay，evenaswhentheylayandfired，theirfacesproneinthegrassbuttheirmusketsstillrestingacrossthebreastworks。Exposedtograpeandcanisterfromthebatteryontheridge，deathhadcometothemmercifullyalso——throughtheheadandthroat。Andnowthewholefieldlaybareinthesunlight，brokenwithgrotesqueshadowscastfromsitting，crouching，half-recumbentbutalwaysrigidfigures，whichmighthavebeeneffigiesontheirownmonuments。
　　Onehalf-kneelingsoldier，withheadbowedbetweenhisstiffenedhands，mighthavestoodforacarvenfigureofGriefatthefeetofhisdeadcomrade。Acaptain，shotthroughthebrainintheactofmountingawall，laysidewayshalfacrossit，hislipspartedwithawordofcommand；hisswordstillpointingoverthebarrierthewaythattheyshouldgo。
　　Butitwasnotuntilthesunhadmountedhigherthatitstruckthecentralhorrorofthefieldandseemedtolingerthereindazzlingpersistence，nowandthenreturningtoitinstartlingflashesthatitmightbeseenofmenandthosewhobroughtsuccor。Atinybrookhadrunobliquelynearthebattleline。Itwasherethat，thenightbeforethebattle，friendandfoehadfilledtheircanteenssidebysidewithsoldierlyrecklessness——orperhapsahigherinstinct——purposelyignoringeachother’spresence；itwasherethatthewoundedhadafterwardscrept，crawled，anddraggedthemselves，heretheyhadpushed，wrangled，striven，andfoughtforadraughtofthatpreciousfluidwhichassuagedthethirstoftheirwounds——orhappilyputthemoutoftheirmiseryforever；hereoverborne，crushed，suffocatedbynumbers，pouringtheirownbloodintotheflood，andtumblingafteritwiththeirhelplessbodies，theydammedthestream，untilrecoiling，redandangry，ithadburstitsbanksandoverflowedthecotton-fieldinabroadpoolthatnowsparkledinthesunlight。Butbelowthishumandam——amileaway——wherethebrookstillcreptsluggishly，theambulancehorsessniffedandstartedfromit。
　　Thedetailmovedonslowly，doingtheirworkexpeditiously，andapparentlycallously，butreallyonlywiththatmechanicalmovementthatsavesemotion。Onlyoncetheyweremovedtoanoutbreakofindignation，——thediscoveryofthebodyofanofficerwhosepocketswereturnedinsideout，butwhosehandwasstilltightlygraspedonhisbuttonedwaistcoat，asifresistingtheoutragethathadbeendonewhilestillinlife。Asthemendisengagedthestiffenedhandsomethingslippedfromthewaistcoattotheground。Thecorporalpickeditupandhandedittohisofficer。Itwasasealedpacket。
　　Theofficerreceiveditwiththecarelessnesswhichlongexperienceofthesepatheticmissivesfromthedyingtotheirlivingrelationshadinduced，anddroppeditinthepocketofhistunic，withthehalf-dozenothersthathehadpickedupthatmorning，andmovedonwiththedetail。Alittlefurtherontheyhalted，intheattitudeofattention，asamountedofficerappeared，ridingslowlydowntheline。
　　Therewassomethingmorethanthehabitualrespectoftheirsuperiorintheirfacesashecameforward。Foritwasthegeneralwhohadcommandedthebrigadethedaybefore，——themanwhohadleapedwithoneboundintotheforemostrankofmilitaryleaders。
　　Itwashisinvinciblespiritthathadledtheadvance，heldbackdefeatagainstoverwhelmingnumbers，sustainedtherally，impressedhissubordinateofficerswithhisownundeviatingpurpose，andeveninfusedthemwithanalmostsuperstitiousbeliefinhisdestinyofsuccess。Itwasthismanwhohaddonewhatitwasdeemedimpossibletodo，——whatevenatthetimeitwasthoughtunwiseandunstrategictodo，——whohadheldaweakposition，ofapparentlynoimportance，underthemandateofanincomprehensibleorderfromhissuperior，whichatbestaskedonlyforasacrificeandwasrewardedwithavictory。Hehaddecimatedhisbrigade，butthewoundedanddyinghadcheeredhimashepassed，andthesurvivorshadpursuedtheenemyuntilthebuglecalledthemback。Forsucharecordhelookedstilltooyoungandscholarly，albeithishandsomefacewasdarkandenergetic，andhismannertaciturn。
　　Hisquickeyehadalreadycaughtsightoftherifledbodyoftheofficer，andcontracted。Asthecaptainofthedetailsalutedhimhesaidcurtly，——
　　"Ithoughttheordersweretofireuponanyonedesecratingthedead？"
　　"Theyare，General；butthehyenasdon’tgiveusachance。That’sallyonderpoorfellowsavedfromtheirclaws，"repliedtheofficer，asheheldupthesealedpacket。"Ithasnoaddress。"
　　Thegeneraltookit，examinedtheenvelope，thrustitintohisbelt，andsaid，——
　　"Iwilltakechargeofit。"
　　Thesoundofhorses’hoofscamefromtherockyroadsidebeyondthebrook。Bothmenturned。Anumberoffieldofficerswereapproaching。
　　"Thedivisionstaff，"saidthecaptain，inalowervoice，fallingback。
　　Theycameslowlyforward，acentralfigureonagrayhorseleadinghere——asinhistory。Ashort，thick-setmanwithagrizzledbeardcloselycroppedaroundaninscrutablemouth，andtheseriousformalityofarespectablecountrydeaconinhisaspect，whicheventhemajor-generalsblazonontheshoulder-strapofhisloosetuniconhissoldierlyseatinthesaddlecouldnotentirelyobliterate。
　　Hehadevidentlyperceivedthegeneralofbrigade，andquickenedhishorseasthelatterdrewup。Thestafffollowedmoreleisurely，butstillwithsomecuriosity，towitnessthemeetingofthefirstgeneralofthearmywiththeyoungest。Thedivisiongeneralsaluted，butalmostinstantlywithdrewhisleatherngauntlet，andofferedhisbaredhandtothebrigadier。Thewordsofheroesarescant。Thedrawn-updetail，thewaitingstafflistened。Thiswasalltheyheard：——
　　"Hallecktellsmeyou’refromCalifornia？"
　　"Yes，General。"
　　"Ah！Ilivedthere，too，intheearlydays。"
　　"Wonderfulcountry。Developedgreatlysincemytime，Isuppose？"
　　"Yes，General。"
　　"Greatresources；finestwheat-growingcountryintheworld，sir。
　　Youdon’thappentoknowwhattheactualcropwasthisyear？"
　　"Hardly，General！butsomethingenormous。"
　　"Yes，Ihavealwayssaiditwouldbe。Haveacigar？"
　　Hehandedhiscigar-casetothebrigadier。Thenhetookonehimself，lighteditatthesmoulderingendoftheonehehadtakenfromhismouth，wasabouttothrowthestumpcarelesslydown，but，suddenlyrecollectinghimself，leanedoverhishorse，anddroppeditcarefullyafewinchesawayfromthefaceofadeadsoldier。
　　Then，straighteninghimselfinthesaddle，heshovedhishorseagainstthebrigadier，movinghimalittlefurtheron，whileaslightmovementofhishandkeptthestafffromfollowing。
　　"Aheavylosshere！"
　　"I’mafraidso，General。"
　　"Itcouldn’tbehelped。Wehadtorushinyourbrigadetogaintime，andoccupytheenemy，untilwecouldchangefront。"
　　Theyounggenerallookedattheshrewd，coldeyesofhischief。
　　"Changefront？"heechoed。
　　"Yes。Beforeagunwasfired，wediscoveredthattheenemywasincompletepossessionofallourplans，andkneweverydetailofourforwardmovement。Allhadtobechanged。"
　　Theyoungermannowinstantlyunderstoodtheincomprehensibleorderofthedaybefore。
　　Thegeneralofdivisioncontinued，withhisfirsttouchofofficialformality，——
　　"Youunderstand，therefore，GeneralBrant，thatinthefaceofthisextraordinarytreachery，theutmostvigilanceisrequired，andacompletesurveillanceofyourcampfollowersandcivilians，todetecttheactualspywithinourlines，orthetraitorweareharboring，whohasbecomepossessedofthisinformation。Youwilloverhaulyourbrigade，andweedoutallsuspects，andinthepositionwhichyouaretotaketo-morrow，andtheplantationyouwilloccupy，youwillseethatyourprivatequarters，aswellasyourlines，areclearedofallbutthoseyoucanvouchfor。"
　　Hereinedinhishorse，againextendedhishand，saluted，andrejoinedhisstaff。
　　Brigadier-GeneralClarenceBrantremainedforamomentwithhisheadbentinthoughtfulcontemplationofthecoolnessofhisveteranchiefunderthisexcitingdisclosure，andthestrategywithwhichhehadfrustratedthetraitor’ssuccess。Thenhiseyecaughtthesealedpacketinhisbelt。Hemechanicallydrewitout，andbroketheseal。Theenvelopewasfilledwithpapersandmemorandums。
　　Butashelookedatthemhisfacedarkenedandhisbrowknit。Heglancedquicklyaroundhim。Thestaffhadtrottedaway；thecaptainandhisdetailwerecontinuingtheirworkatalittledistance。Hetookalongbreath，forhewasholdinginhishandatracingoftheircamp，evenofthepositionhewastooccupytomorrow，andadetailedaccountofthemovements，plans，andforceofthewholedivisionashadbeenarrangedincouncilofwarthedaybeforethebattle！Buttherewasnoindicationofthewriterorhisintentions。
　　Hethrustthepapershurriedlybackintotheenvelope，butplacedit，thistime，inhisbreast。Hegallopedtowardsthecaptain。
　　"Letmeseeagaintheofficerfromwhomyoutookthatpacket！"
　　Thecaptainledhimtowherethebodylay，withothers，extendedmoredecentlyonthegrassawaitingremoval。GeneralBrantwithdifficultyrepressedanejaculation。
　　"Why，it’soneofourownmen，"hesaidquickly。
　　"Yes，General。Theysayit’sLieutenantWainwright，aregular，ofthepaymastergeneral’sdepartment。"
　　"Thenwhatwashedoinghere？"askedGeneralBrantsternly。
　　"Ican’tmakeout，sir，unlesshewentintothelastadvanceasavolunteer。Wantedtoseethefight，Isuppose。Hewasadashingfellow，aWestPointer，——andaSoutherner，too，——aVirginian。"
　　"ASoutherner！"echoedBrantquickly。
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　"Searchhimagain，"saidBrantquietly。Hehadrecoveredhisusualcoolness，andasthecaptainagainexaminedthebody，hetookouthistabletsandwroteafewlines。ItwasanordertosearchthequartersofLieutenantWainwrightandbringallpapers，letters，anddocumentstohim。Hethenbeckonedoneofthedetailtowardshim。"Takethattotheprovostmarshalatonce。Well，Captain，"
　　headdedcalmly，astheofficeragainapproachedhim，"whatdoyoufind？"
　　"Onlythis，sir，"returnedthecaptain，withahalfsmile，producingasmallphotograph。"Isupposeitwasoverlooked，too。"
　　HehandedittoBrant。
　　Therewasasuddenfixingofhiscommandingofficer’seyes，buthisfacedidnototherwisechange。
　　"It’stheusualfind，General。Alwaysaphotograph！Butthistimeahandsomewoman！"
　　"Very，"saidClarenceBrantquietly。Itwastheportraitofhisownwife。
　　CHAPTERII。
　　Nevertheless，socompletewashiscontrolofvoiceandmannerthat，asherodeontohisquarters，noonewouldhavedreamedthatGeneralBranthadjustlookeduponthelikenessofthewifefromwhomhehadpartedinangerfouryearsago。Stilllesswouldtheyhavesuspectedthestrangefearthatcameuponhimthatinsomewayshewasconnectedwiththetreacheryhehadjustdiscovered。Hehadheardfromheronlyonce，andthenthroughherlatehusband’slawyer，inregardtoherCalifornianproperty，andbelievedthatshehadgonetoherrelationsinAlabama，whereshehadidentifiedherselfwiththeSoutherncause，eventothesacrificeofherprivatefortune。HehadheardhernamementionedintheSouthernpressasafascinatingsocietyleader，andevencoadjutrixofSouthernpoliticians，——buthehadnoreasontobelievethatshehadtakensoactiveorsodesperateapartinthestruggle。HetriedtothinkthathisuneasinesssprangfromhisrecollectionoftheprevioustreacheryofCaptainPinckney，andthepartthatshehadplayedintheCalifornianconspiracy，althoughhehadlongsinceacquittedherofthebetrayalofanynearertrust。Buttherewasafatefulsimilarityinthetwocases。TherewasnodoubtthatthisLieutenantWainwrightwasatraitorinthecamp，——thathehadsuccumbedtotheusualsophistryofhisclassinregardtohissuperiorallegiancetohisnativeState。Butwastheretheinducementofanotheremotion，orwasthephotographonlythesouvenirofafascinatingpriestessofrebellion，whomthedeadmanhadmet？Therewasperhapslessoffeelingthanscorninthefirstsuggestion，buthewasneverthelessrelievedwhentheprovostmarshalfoundnootherincriminatingpapersinWainwright’seffects。Nordidherevealtothedivisiongeneralthefindingofthephotograph。Itwassufficienttodisclosetheworkofthetraitorwithoutaddingwhatmightbeacluetohiswife’sparticipationinit，nearorremote。Therewasriskenoughintheformercourse，——whichhisdutymadeimperative。Hehardlydaredtothinkofthepastday’sslaughter，which——therewasnodoubtnow——
　　hadbeenduetothepreviousworkofthespy，andhowhisbrigadehadbeenselected——bytheironyofFate——tosufferforandyetretrieveit。Ifshehadhadahandinthiswickedplot，oughthetospareher？Orwashisdestinyandherstobethusmonstrouslylinkedtogether？
　　Luckily，however，theexpiationofthechiefoffenderandthetimelydiscoveryofhispapersenabledthedivisioncommandertokeeptheaffairdiscreetlysilent，andtoenjoinequalsecrecyonthepartofBrant。Thelatter，however，didnotrelaxhisvigilance，andaftertheadvancethenextdayhemadeaminuteinspectionofthegroundhewastooccupy，itsapproachesandconnectionswiththeoutlyingcountry，andtherebellines；
　　increasedthestringencyofpicketandsentryregulations，andexercisedarigidsurveillanceofnon-combatantsandcivilianswithinthelines，eventothelowestcanteenerorcampfollower。
　　Thenheturnedhisattentiontothehousehewastooccupyashisheadquarters。
　　Itwasafinespecimenoftheoldcolonialplanter’shouse，withitsbroadveranda，itsgreatdetachedofficesandnegroquarters，andhad，thusfar，escapedtheravagesandbilletingofthewar。
　　Ithadbeenoccupiedbyitsowneruptoafewdaysbeforetheengagement，andsogreathadbeentheconfidenceoftheenemyintheirsuccessthatithadbeenusedastheConfederateheadquartersonthemorningofthedecisivebattle。Jasmineandrose，unstainedbythesulphurofgunpowder，twinedarounditsruinedcolumnsandhalfhidtherecessedwindows；thecarelessflowergardenwasstillinitsunkemptandunpluckedluxuriance；thecourtyardbeforethestablesaloneshowedmarksofthelatemilitaryoccupancy，andwaspulverizedbytheuneasyhorse-hoofsofthewaitingstaff。Butthemingledimpressofbarbaricprodigalitywithpatriarchalsimplicitywasstillthereinthedomesticarrangementsofaracewholivedonhalfequalfamiliaritywithstrangersandtheirownservants。
　　Thenegroservantsstillremained，withacertaincat-likefidelitytotheplace，andadaptedthemselvestotheNortherninvaderswithachildlikeenjoymentofthenoveltyofchange。Brant，nevertheless，lookedthemoverwithanexperiencedeye，andsatisfiedhimselfoftheirtrustworthiness；therewastheusualnumberof"boys，"
　　gray-hairedandgrizzledinbodyservice，andthe"mammys"and"aunties"ofthekitchen。Thereweretwoorthreeroomsinthewingwhichstillcontainedprivatearticles，picturesandsouvenirsofthefamily，anda"younglady’s"boudoir，whichBrant，withcharacteristicdelicacy，keptcarefullyisolatedandintactfromhismilitaryhousehold，andaccessibleonlytothefamilyservants。Theroomhehadselectedforhimselfwasnearestit，——asmall，plainlyfurnishedapartment，withanalmostconventualsimplicityinitscold，whitewallsanddraperies，andthenarrow，nun-likebed。Itstruckhimthatitmighthavebelongedtosomeprimelderdaughterormaidenaunt，whohadactedashousekeeper，asitcommandedthewingandservants’offices，witheasyaccesstothecentralhall。
　　TherefollowedaweekofinactivityinwhichBrantfeltasingularresemblanceinthisSouthernmansiontotheoldcasaatRobles。
　　TheafternoonshadowsofthedeepverandasrecalledtheoldmonasticgloomoftheSpanishhouse，whicheventhepresenceofaloungingofficerorwaitingorderlycouldnotentirelydissipate，andthescentoftheroseandjasminefromhiswindowsovercamehimwithsadmemories。Hebegantochafeunderthisinaction，andlongagainfortheexcitementofthemarchandbivouac，inwhich，forthepastfouryears，hehadburiedhispast。
　　Hewassittingoneafternoonalonebeforehisreportsanddispatches，whenthisinfluenceseemedsostrongthathehalfimpulsivelylaidthemasidetoindulgeinalongreverie。HewasrecallinghislastdayatRobles，theearlymorningduelwithPinckney，thereturntoSanFrancisco，andthesuddenresolutionwhichsenthimthatdayacrossthecontinenttoofferhisservicestotheGovernment。HerememberedhisdelayintheWesterntown，whereavolunteerregimentwasbeingrecruited，hisentranceintoitasaprivate，hisrapidselection，throughtheforceofhissheerdevotionandintelligentconcentration，tothecaptaincyofhiscompany；hisswiftpromotiononhard-foughtfieldstotheheadoftheregiment，andthesingularsuccessthathadfollowedhisresistlessenergy，whichlefthimnotimetothinkofanythingbuthisduty。Thesuddenintrusionofhiswifeuponhiscareernow，eveninthisaccidentalandperhapsinnocentway，hadseriouslyunsettledhim。
　　Theshadowsweregrowingheavieranddeeper，itlackedonlyafewmomentsofthesunsetbugle，whenhewasrecalledtohimselfbythatsingularinstinctiveconsciousness，commontohumanity，ofbeingintentlylookedat。Heturnedquickly，——thedoorbehindhimclosedsoftly。Heroseandslippedintothehall。Thetallfigureofawomanwasgoingdownthepassage。Shewaserectandgraceful；
　　but，assheturnedtowardsthedoorleadingtotheoffices，hedistinctlysawthegaudilyturbanedheadandblacksilhouetteofanegress。Nevertheless，hehaltedamomentatthedoorofthenextroom。
　　"Seewhothatwomaniswhohasjustpassed，Mr。Martin。Shedoesn’tseemtobelongtothehouse。"
　　Theyoungofficerrose，putonhiscap，anddeparted。Inafewmomentshereturned。
　　"Wasshetall，sir，ofagoodfigure，andverystraight？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Sheisaservantofourneighbors，theManlys，whooccasionallyvisitstheservantshere。Amulatto，Ithink。"
　　Brantreflected。Manyofthemulattoesandnegresseswereofgoodfigure，andthehabitofcarryingburdensontheirheadsgavethemasingularlyerectcarriage。
　　Thelieutenantlookedathischief。
　　"Haveyouanyorderstogiveconcerningher，General？"
　　"No，"saidBrant，afteramoment’spause，andturnedaway。
　　Theofficersmiled。Itseemedagoodstorytotellatmessofthishumanweaknessofhishandsome，reserved，andascetic-lookingleader。
　　AfewmorningsafterwardsBrantwasinterruptedoverhisreportsbythealmostabruptentranceoftheofficeroftheday。Hisfacewasflushed，anditwasevidentthatonlythepresenceofhissuperiorrestrainedhisexcitement。Heheldapaperinhishand。
　　"AladypresentsthisorderandpassfromWashington，countersignedbythedivisiongeneral。"
　　"Alady？"
　　"Yes，sir，sheisdressedassuch。Butshehasnotonlydeclinedthemostordinarycivilitiesandcourtesieswehaveofferedher，butshehasinsultedMr。Martinandmyselfgrossly，anddemandstobeshowntoyou——alone。"
　　Branttookthepaper。ItwasaspecialorderfromthePresident，passingMissMatildaFaulknerthroughtheFederallinestovisitheruncle’shome，knownas"GrayOaks，"nowheldandoccupiedastheheadquartersofBrant’sBrigade，inordertoarrangeforthepreservationanddisposalofcertainfamilyeffectsandprivatepropertythatstillremainedthere，ortotakeandcarryawaysuchproperty；andinvokingallnecessaryaidandassistancefromtheUnitedStatesforcesinsuchoccupancy。Itwascountersignedbythedivisioncommander。Itwasperfectlyregularandofundoubtedauthenticity。Hehadheardofpassesofthiskind，——theterrorofthearmy，——issuedinWashingtonundersomestrangecontrollinginfluenceandagainstmilitaryprotest；buthedidnotlethissubordinateseetheuneasinesswithwhichitfilledhim。
　　"Showherin，"hesaidquietly。
　　Butshehadalreadyentered，brushingscornfullypasttheofficer，anddrawingherskirtaside，asifcontaminated：averyprettySoutherngirl，scornfulandred-lipped，cladinagrayriding-
　　habit，andstillcarryingherriding-whipclenchedominouslyinherslim，gauntletedhand！
　　"Youhavemypermitinyourhand，"shesaidbrusquely，hardlyraisinghereyestoBrant。"Isupposeit’sallstraightenough，——
　　andevenifitisn’t，Idon’treckontobekeptwaitingwiththosehirelings。"
　　"Your’permit’is’straight’enough，MissFaulkner，"saidBrant，slowlyreadinghernamefromthedocumentbeforehim。"But，asitdoesnotseemtoincludepermissiontoinsultmyofficers，youwillperhapsallowthemfirsttoretire。"
　　Hemadeasigntotheofficer，whopassedoutofthedoor。
　　Asitclosed，hewenton，inagentlebutcoldlyunimpassionedvoice，——
　　"IperceiveyouareaSouthernlady，andthereforeIneednotremindyouthatitisnotconsideredgoodformtotreateventheslavesofthoseonedoesnotlikeuncivilly，andImust，therefore，askyoutokeepyouractiveanimosityformyself。"
　　Theyounggirlliftedhereyes。Shehadevidentlynotexpectedtomeetamansoyoung，sohandsome，sorefined，andsocoldlyinvincibleinmanner。Stilllesswasshepreparedforthatkindofantagonism。Inkeepingupherpreconcertedattitudetowardsthe"Northernhireling，"shehadbeenmetwithofficialbrusqueness，contemptuoussilence，oraggrievedindignation，——butnothingsoexasperatingasthis。Sheevenfanciedthatthiselegantbutsardonic-lookingsoldierwasmockingher。Shebitherredlip，but，withascornfulgestureofherriding-whip，said，——
　　"IreckonthatyourknowledgeofSouthernladiesis，forcertainreasons，notveryextensive。"
　　"Pardonme；Ihavehadthehonorofmarryingone。"
　　Apparentlymoreexasperatedthanbefore，sheturneduponhimabruptly。
　　"Yousaymypassisallright。ThenIpresumeImayattendtothebusinessthatbroughtmehere。"
　　"Certainly；butyouwillforgivemeifIimaginedthatanexpressionofcontemptforyourhostswasapartofit。"
　　Herangabellonthetable。Itwasrespondedtobyanorderly。
　　"Sendallthehouseholdservantshere。"
　　Theroomwaspresentlyfilledwiththeduskyfacesofthenegroretainers。Hereandtherewasthegleamingofwhiteteeth，butamajorityoftheassemblyworethetruenegroseriousacceptanceoftheimportanceof"anoccasion。"Oneortwoevenaffectedanofficialandsoldierlybearing。And，ashefullyexpected，therewereseveralglancesofsignificantrecognitionofthestranger。
　　"Youwillgive，"saidBrantsternly，"everyaidandattentiontothewantsofthisyounglady，whoisheretorepresenttheinterestsofyouroldmaster。Asshewillbeentirelydependentuponyouinallthingsconnectedwithhervisithere，seetoitthatshedoesnothavetocomplaintomeofanyinattention，——orbeobligedtoaskforotherassistance。"
　　AsMissFaulkner，albeitatriflepalerinthecheek，butasscornfulasever，wasabouttofollowtheservantsfromtheroom，Brantstoppedher，withacoldlycourteousgesture。
　　"Youwillunderstand，therefore，MissFaulkner，thatyouhaveyourwish，andthatyouwillnotbeexposedtoanycontactwiththemembersofmymilitaryfamily，northeywithyou。"
　　"AmIthentobeaprisonerinthishouse——andunderafreepassofyour——President？"shesaidindignantly。
　　"Bynomeans！Youarefreetocomeandgo，andseewhomyouplease。Ihavenopowertocontrolyouractions。ButIhavethepowertocontroltheirs。"
　　Shesweptfuriouslyfromtheroom。
　　"Thatisquiteenoughtofillherwithadesiretoflirtwitheverymanhere，"saidBranttohimself，withafaintsmile；"butIfancytheyhavehadatasteenoughofherquality。"
　　Neverthelesshesatdownandwroteafewlinestothedivisioncommander，pointingoutthathehadalreadyplacedtheowner’sprivatepropertyunderstrictsurveillance，thatitwascaredforandperfectlypreservedbythehouseholdservants，andthatthepasswasevidentlyobtainedasasubterfuge。
　　Tothishereceivedaformalreply，regrettingthattheauthoritiesatWashingtonstillfounditnecessarytoputthiskindofriskandburdenonthearmyinthefield，butthattheorderemanatedfromthehighestauthority，andmustbestrictlyobeyed。Atthebottomofthepagewasacharacteristiclineinpencilinthegeneral’sownhand——"Notthekindthatisdangerous。"
　　AflushmountedBrant’scheeks，asifitcontainednotonlyahidden，butapersonalsignificance。Hehadthoughtofhisownwife！
　　Singularlyenough，adayortwolater，atdinner，theconversationturnedupontheintensesectionalfeelingofSouthernwomen，probablyinducedbytheirlateexperiences。Brant，attheheadofthetable，inhishabitualabstraction，wasscarcelyfollowingthesomewhatexciteddictionofColonelStrangeways，oneofhisstaff。
　　"No，sir，"reiteratedthatindignantwarrior，"takemywordforit！
　　ASouthernwomanisn’ttobetrustedonthispoint，whetherasasister，sweetheart，orwife。Andwhensheistrusted，she’sboundtogetthebetterofthemaninanyofthoserelations！"
　　Thedeadsilencethatfollowed，theominousjoggleofaglassatthespeaker’selbow，thequick，sympatheticglancethatBrantinstinctivelyfeltwasdirectedathisownface，andtheabruptchangeofsubject，couldnotbutarresthisattention，evenifhehadoverlookedthespeech。Hisface，however，betrayednothing。
　　Ithadnever，however，occurredtohimbeforethathisfamilyaffairsmightbeknown——neitherhadheeverthoughtofkeepingthemasecret。Itseemedsopurelyapersonalandprivatemisfortune，thathehadneverdreamedofitshavinganypublicinterest。Andevennowhewasalittleashamedofwhathebelievedwashissensitivenesstomereconventionalcriticism，which，withtheinstinctofaproudman，hehaddespised。
　　HewasnotfarwronginhissardonicintuitionoftheeffectofhisprohibitionuponMissFaulkner’sfeelings。Certainlythatyounglady，whennotengagedinhermysteriousoccupationofarrangingheruncle’seffects，occasionallywasseeninthegarden，andinthewoodsbeyond。Althoughherpresencewasthesignalforthe"oblique"ofanylounging"shoulderstrap，"orthevacant"front"
　　ofapostedsentry，sheseemedtoregardtheiroccasionalproximitywithlessactivedisfavor。Once，whenshehadmountedthewalltogatheramagnoliablossom，thechairbywhichshehadascendedrolledover，leavingheronthewall。Atasignalfromtheguard-
　　room，twosappersandminersappearedcarryingascaling-ladder，whichtheyplacedsilentlyagainstthewall，andassilentlywithdrew。Onanotheroccasion，thesamespiritedyounglady，whomBrantwassatisfiedwouldhaveprobablyimperiledherlifeunderfireindevotiontohercause，wasbroughtignominiouslytobayinthefieldbythatmostappallingofdomesticanimals，thewanderinganduntrammeledcow！Brantcouldnothelpsmilingasheheardthequick，harshcallto"Turnout，guard，"sawthemenmarchstolidlywithfixedbayonetstothevicinityoftheaffrightedanimal，whofled，leavingthefairstrangertowalkshamefacedlytothehouse。
　　Hewassurprised，however，thatsheshouldhavehaltedbeforehisdoor，andwithtremulousindignation，said，——
　　"Ithankyou，sir，foryourchivalrousnessinturningadefenselesswomanintoridicule。"
　　"Iregret，MissFaulkner，"beganBrantgravely，"thatyoushouldbelievethatIamabletocontroltheadvancesoffarmyardcattleaseasilyas"——Buthestopped，ashesawthattheangryflashofherblueeyes，asshedartedpasthim，wassetintears。Alittleremorsefulonthefollowingday，headdedawordtohisordinarycap-liftingwhenshewentby，butsheretainedareproachfulsilence。Laterintheday，hereceivedfromherservantarespectfulrequestforaninterview，andwasrelievedtofindthatsheenteredhispresencewithnotraceofherformeraggression，butratherwiththeresignationofadeeplyinjured，yetnotentirelyunforgiving，woman。
　　"Ithought，"shebegancoldly，"thatIoughttoinformyouthatI
　　wouldprobablybeabletoconcludemybusinessherebythedayafterto-morrow，andthatyouwouldthenberelievedofmypresence。Iamaware——indeed，"sheadded，bitterly，"Icouldscarcelyhelpperceiving，thatithasbeenanexceedinglyirksomeone。"
　　"Itrust，"beganBrantcoldly，"thatnogentlemanofmycommandhas"——
　　"No！"
　　Sheinterruptedhimquickly，withareturnofherformermanner，andapassionatesweepofthehand。
　　"DoyousupposeforamomentthatIamspeaking——thatIameventhinking——ofthem？Whataretheytome？"
　　"Thankyou。Iamgladtoknowthattheyarenothing；andthatI
　　maynowtrustthatyouhaveconsultedmywishes，andhavereservedyouranimositysolelyforme，"returnedBrantquietly。"Thatbeingso，Iseenoreasonforyourhurryingyourdepartureintheleast。"
　　Sheroseinstantly。
　　"Ihave，"shesaidslowly，controllingherselfwithaslighteffort，"foundsomeonewhowilltakemydutyoffmyhands。Sheisaservantofoneofyourneighbors，——whoisanoldfriendofmyuncle’s。Thewomanisfamiliarwiththehouse，andourprivateproperty。Iwillgiveherfullinstructionstoactforme，andevenanauthorizationinwriting，ifyoupreferit。Sheisalreadyinthehabitofcominghere；buthervisitswillgiveyouverylittletrouble。And，assheisaslave，or，asyoucallit，I
　　believe，achattel，shewillbealreadyquiteaccustomedtothetreatmentwhichherclassareinthehabitofreceivingfromNorthernhands。"
　　WithoutwaitingtoperceivetheeffectofherParthianshot，shesweptproudlyoutoftheroom。
　　"Iwonderwhatshemeans，"musedBrant，asherquickstepdiedawayinthepassage。"Onethingiscertain，——awomanlikethatisaltogethertooimpulsiveforaspy。"
　　Later，inthetwilight，hesawherwalkinginthegarden。Therewasafigureatherside。Alittlecurious，heexamineditmorecloselyfromhiswindow。Itwasalreadyfamiliartohim，——theerect，shapelyformofhisneighbor’sservant。Athoughtfullookpassedoverhisfaceashemuttered，——"Sothisistobeherdeputy。"
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　Calledtoageneralcouncilofofficersatdivisionalheadquartersthenextday，Branthadlittletimeforfurtherspeculationregardinghisstrangeguest，butaremarkfromthedivisioncommander，thathepreferredtocommitthegeneralplanofamovementthenunderdiscussiontotheirmemoriesratherthantowrittenordersintheordinaryroutine，seemedtoshowthathischiefstillsuspectedtheexistenceofaspy。He，therefore，toldhimofhislateinterviewwithMissFaulkner，andherprobablewithdrawalinfavorofamulattoneighbor。Thedivisioncommanderreceivedtheinformationwithindifference。
　　"They’remuchtooclevertoemployahussylikethat，whoshowsherhandateveryturn，eitherasaspyoramessengerofspies，——andthemulattoesaretoostupid，tosaynothingoftheirprobablefidelitytous。No，General，ifwearewatched，itisbyaneagle，andnotamocking-bird。MissFaulknerhasnothingworseaboutherthanhertongue；andthereisn’ttheniggerbloodinthewholeSouththatwouldriskanooseforher，orforanyoftheirmastersormistresses！"
　　Itwas，therefore，perhaps，withsomemitigationofhisusualcriticalseveritythathesawherwalkingbeforehimaloneinthelaneasherodehometoquarters。Shewasapparentlylostinahalf-impatient，half-moodyreverie，whicheventhetrottinghoof-
　　beatsofhisownandhisorderly’shorsehadnotdisturbed。Fromtimetotimeshestruckthemyrtlehedgebesideherwiththeheadofalargeflowerwhichhungbyitsstalkfromherlistlesshands，orheldittoherfaceasiftoinhaleitsperfume。Dismissinghisorderlybyasidepath，herodegentlyforward，but，tohissurprise，withoutturning，orseemingtobeawareofhispresence，shequickenedherpace，andevenappearedtolookfromsidetosideforsomeavenueofescape。Ifonlytomendmatters，hewasobligedtoridequicklyforwardtoherside，wherehethrewhimselffromhishorse，flungthereinsonhisarm，andbegantowalkbesideher。Sheatfirstturnedaslightlyflushedcheekawayfromhim，andthenlookedupwithapurelysimulatedstartofsurprise。
　　"Iamafraid，"hesaidgently，"thatIamthefirsttobreakmyownordersinregardtoanyintrusiononyourprivacy。ButIwantedtoaskyouifIcouldgiveyouanyaidwhateverinthechangeyouthinkofmaking。"
　　Hewasquitesincere，——hadbeentouchedbyhermanifestdisturbance，and，despitehismasculinerelentlessnessofcriticism，hehadanintuitionoffemininesufferingthatwasinitselffeminine。
　　"Meaning，thatyouareinahurrytogetridofme，"shesaidcurtly，withoutraisinghereyes。
　　"MeaningthatIonlywishtoexpediteabusinesswhichIthinkisunpleasanttoyou，butwhichIbelieveyouhaveundertakenfromunselfishdevotion。"
　　Thescantexpressionofareservednatureissometimesmoreattractivetowomenthanthemostfluentvivacity。Possiblytherewasalsoamelancholygraceinthissardonicsoldier’smannerthataffectedher，forshelookedup，andsaidimpulsively，——
　　"Youthinkso？"
　　Buthemethereagereyeswithsomesurprise。
　　"Icertainlydo，"herepliedmorecoldly。"Icanimagineyourfeelingsonfindingyouruncle’shomeinthepossessionofyourenemies，andyourpresenceunderthefamilyroofonlyasufferance。
　　Icanhardlybelieveitapleasuretoyou，orataskyouwouldhaveacceptedforyourselfalone。"
　　"But，"shesaid，turningtowardshimwickedly，"whatifIdiditonlytoexcitemyrevenge；whatifIknewitwouldgivemecouragetoincitemypeopletocarrywarintoyourownhomes；tomakeyouoftheNorthfeelasIfeel，andtasteourbitterness？"
　　"Icouldeasilyunderstandthat，too，"hereturned，withlistlesscoldness，"althoughIdon’tadmitthatrevengeisanunmixedpleasure，eventoawoman。"
　　"Awoman！"sherepeatedindignantly。"Thereisnosexinawarlikethis。"
　　"Youarespoilingyourflower，"hesaidquietly。"Itisverypretty，andanativeone，too；notaninvader，oreventransplanted。
　　MayIlookatit？"
　　Shehesitated，halfrecoilingforaninstant，andherhandtrembled。Then，suddenlyandabruptlyshesaid，withahystericlittlelaugh，"Takeit，then，"andalmostthrustitinhishand。
　　Itcertainlywasaprettyflower，notunlikealilyinappearance，withabell-likecupandlongantherscoveredwithafinepollen，likereddust。Asheliftedittohisface，toinhaleitsperfume，sheutteredaslightcry，andsnatcheditfromhishand。
　　"There！"shesaid，withthesamenervouslaugh。"Iknewyouwould；
　　Ioughttohavewarnedyou。Thepollencomesoffsoeasily，andleavesastain。Andyou’vegotsomeonyourcheek。Look！"shecontinued，takingherhandkerchieffromherpocketandwipinghischeek；"seethere！"Thedelicatecambricshowedablood-redstreak。
　　"Itgrowsinaswamp，"shecontinued，inthesameexcitedstrain；
　　"wecallitdragon’steeth，——likethekindthatwassowninthestory，youknow。Wechildrenusedtofindit，andthenpaintourfacesandlipswithit。Wecalleditourrouge。IwasalmosttemptedtotryitagainwhenIfounditjustnow。Ittookmebacksototheoldtimes。"
　　Followingheroddmannerratherthanherwords，assheturnedherfacetowardshimsuddenly，Brantwasinclinedtothinkthatshehadtrieditalready，soscarletwashercheek。Butitpresentlypaledagainunderhiscoldscrutiny。
　　"Youmustmisstheoldtimes，"hesaidcalmly。"Iamafraidyoufoundverylittleofthemleft，exceptintheseflowers。"
　　"Andhardlythese，"shesaidbitterly。"Yourtroopshadfoundawaythroughthemarsh，andhadtrampleddownthebushes。"
　　Brant’sbrowclouded。Herememberedthatthebrook，whichhadrunredduringthefight，hadlostitselfinthismarsh。Itdidnotincreasehislikingforthisbeautifulbutblindlyviciousanimalathisside，andevenhismomentarypityforherwasfadingfast。
　　Shewasincorrigible。Theywalkedonforafewmomentsinsilence。
　　"Yousaid，"shebeganatlast，inagentlerandevenhesitatingvoice，"thatyourwifewasaSouthernwoman。"
　　Hecheckedanirritatedstartwithdifficulty。
　　"IbelieveIdid，"hesaidcoldly，asifheregrettedit。
　　"AndofcourseyoutaughtherYOURgospel，——thegospelaccordingtoSt。Lincoln。Oh，Iknow，"shewentonhurriedly，asifconsciousofhisirritationandseekingtoallayit。"Shewasawomanandlovedyou，andthoughtwithyourthoughtsandsawonlywithyoureyes。Yes，that’sthewaywithus，——Isupposewealldoit！"sheaddedbitterly。
　　"Shehadherownopinions，"saidBrantbriefly，asherecoveredhimself。
　　Nevertheless，hismannersodecidedlyclosedallfurtherdiscussionthattherewasnothingleftfortheyounggirlbutsilence。Butitwasbrokenbyherinafewmomentsinheroldcontemptuousvoiceandmanner。
　　"Praydon’ttroubleyourselftoaccompanymeanyfurther，GeneralBrant。Unless，ofcourse，youareafraidImaycomeacrosssomeofyour——yoursoldiers。IpromiseyouIwon’teatthem。"
　　"Iamafraidyoumustsuffermycompanyalittlelonger，MissFaulkner，onaccountofthosesamesoldiers，"returnedBrantgravely。"Youmaynotknowthatthisroad，inwhichIfindyou，takesyouthroughacordonofpickets。Ifyouwerealoneyouwouldbestopped，questioned，and，failingtogivethepassword，youwouldbedetained，senttotheguard-house，and"——hestopped，andfixedhiseyesonherkeenlyasheadded，"andsearched。"
　　"Youwouldnotdaretosearchawoman！"shesaidindignantly，althoughherflushgavewaytoaslightpallor。
　　"Yousaidjustnowthatthereshouldbenosexinawarlikethis，"
　　returnedBrantcarelessly，butwithoutabatinghisscrutinizinggaze。
　　"ThenitISwar？"shesaidquickly，withawhite，significantface。
　　Hislookofscrutinyturnedtooneofpuzzledwonder。Butatthesamemomenttherewastheflashofabayonetinthehedge，avoicecalled"Halt！"andasoldiersteppedintotheroad。
　　GeneralBrantadvanced，metthesaluteofthepicketwithafewformalwords，andthenturnedtowardshisfaircompanion，asanothersoldierandasergeantjoinedthegroup。
　　"MissFaulknerisnewtothecamp，tookthewrongturning，andwasunwittinglyleavingthelineswhenIjoinedher。"Hefixedhiseyesintentlyonhernowcolorlessface，butshedidnotreturnhislook。"Youwillshowhertheshortestwaytoquarters，"hecontinued，tothesergeant，"andshouldsheatanytimeagainloseherway，youwillagainconductherhome，——butwithoutdetainingorreportingher。"
　　Heliftedhiscap，remountedhishorse，androdeaway，astheyounggirl，withaproud，indifferentstep，moveddowntheroadwiththesergeant。Amountedofficerpassedhimandsaluted，——itwasoneofhisownstaff。Fromsomestrangeinstinct，heknewthathehadwitnessedthescene，andfromsomeequallystrangeintuitionhewasannoyedbyit。Buthecontinuedhisway，visitingoneortwooutposts，andreturnedbyalongdetourtohisquarters。AshesteppedupontheverandahesawMissFaulkneratthebottomofthegardentalkingwithsomeoneacrossthehedge。Bytheaidofhisglasshecouldrecognizetheshapelyfigureofthemulattowomanwhichhehadseenbefore。ButbyitsaidhealsodiscoveredthatshewascarryingaflowerexactlyliketheonewhichMissFaulknerstillheldinherhand。HadshebeenwithMissFaulknerinthelane，andifso，whyhadshedisappearedwhenhecameup？Impelledbysomethingstrongerthanmerecuriosity，hewalkedquicklydownthegarden，butsheevidentlyhadnoticedhim，forsheasquicklydisappeared。NotcaringtomeetMissFaulkneragain，heretracedhissteps，resolvingthathewould，onthefirstopportunity，personallyexamineandinterrogatethisnewvisitor。ForifsheweretotakeMissFaulkner’splaceinasubordinatecapacity，thisprecautionwasclearlywithinhisrights。
　　Here-enteredhisroomandseatedhimselfathisdeskbeforethedispatches，orders，andreportsawaitinghim。Hefoundhimself，however，workinghalfmechanically，andrecurringtohislateinterviewwithMissFaulknerinthelane。Ifshehadanyinclinationtoactthespy，ortouseherpositionhereasameansofcommunicatingwiththeenemy’slines，hethoughthehadthoroughlyfrightenedher。Nevertheless，now，forthefirsttime，hewasinclinedtoaccepthischief’sopinionofher。Shewasnotonlytooclumsyandinexperienced，butshetotallylackedtheself-
　　restraintofaspy。Hernervousagitationinthelanewasduetosomethingmoredisturbingthanhismerepossibleintrusionuponherconfidenceswiththemulatto。Thesignificanceofherquestion，"ThenitISwar？"wasatbestathreat，andthatimpliedhesitation。
　　Herecalledherstrangeallusiontohiswife；wasitmerelytheoutcomeofhisownfoolishconfessionontheirfirstinterview，orwasitaconcealedironicaltaunt？Beingsatisfied，however，thatshewasnotlikelytoimperilhispublicdutyinanyway，hewasangrywithhimselfforspeculatingfurther。But，althoughhestillfelttowardsherthesameantagonismshehadatfirstprovoked，hewasconsciousthatshewasbeginningtoexerciseastrangefascinationoverhim。
　　Dismissingheratlastwithaneffort，hefinishedhisworkandthenrose，andunlockingacloset，tookoutasmalldispatch-box，towhichheintendedtointrustafewmoreimportantordersandmemoranda。Asheopeneditwithakeyonhiswatch-chain，hewasstruckwithafaintperfumethatseemedtocomefromit，——aperfumethatheremembered。WasitthesmelloftheflowerthatMissFaulknercarried，orthescentofthehandkerchiefwithwhichshehadwipedhischeek，oraminglingofboth？Orwasheundersomespelltothinkofthatwretchedgirl，andherwitch-likeflower？
　　Heleanedovertheboxandsuddenlystarted。Upontheoutercoveringofadispatchwasasingularblood-redstreak！Heexamineditclosely，——itwasthepowderystainofthelilypollen，——exactlyashehadseenitonherhandkerchief。
　　Therecouldbenomistake。Hepassedhisfingeroverthestain；hecouldstillfeeltheslippery，infinitesimalpowderofthepollen。
　　Itwasnottherewhenhehadclosedtheboxthatmorning；itwasimpossiblethatitshouldbethereunlesstheboxhadbeenopenedinhisabsence。Here-examinedthecontentsofthebox；thepaperswereallthere。Morethanthat，theywerepapersofnoimportanceexcepttohimpersonally；containednoplansnorkeytoanymilitarysecret；hehadbeenfartoowisetointrustanytotheaccidentsofthisalienhouse。Thepryingintruder，whoeveritwas，hadgainednothing！Buttherewasunmistakablytheattempt！
　　Andtheexistenceofawould-bespywithinthepurlieusofthehousewasequallyclear。
　　Hecalledanofficerfromthenextroom。
　　"Hasanyonebeenheresincemyabsence？"
　　"No，General。"
　　"Hasanyonepassedthroughthehall？"
　　Hehadfullyanticipatedtheanswer，asthesubalternreplied，"Onlythewomenservants。"
　　Here-enteredtheroom。Closingthedoor，heagaincarefullyexaminedthebox，histable，thepapersuponit，thechairbeforeit，andeventheChinesemattingonthefloor，foranyfurtherindicationofthepollen。Ithardlyseemedpossiblethatanyonecouldhaveenteredtheroomwiththeflowerintheirhandwithoutscatteringsomeofthetell-taledustelsewhere；itwastoolargeaflowertobewornonthebreastorinthehair。Again，noonewouldhavedaredtolingertherelongenoughtohavemadeanexaminationofthebox，withanofficerinthenextroom，andthesergeantpassing。Theboxhadbeenremoved，andtheexaminationmadeelsewhere！
　　Anideaseizedhim。MissFaulknerwasstillabsent，themulattohadapparentlygonehome。Hequicklymountedthestaircase，butinsteadofenteringhisroom，turnedsuddenlyasideintothewingwhichhadbeenreserved。Thefirstdooryieldedasheturneditsknobgentlyandenteredaroomwhichheatoncerecognizedasthe"younglady’sboudoir。"Butthedustyanddrapedfurniturehadbeenrearrangedanduncovered，andtheapartmentboreeverysignofpresentuse。Yet，althoughtherewasunmistakableevidenceofitsbeingusedbyapersonoftasteandrefinement，hewassurprisedtoseethatthegarmentshanginginanopenpressweresuchaswereusedbynegroservants，andthatagaudyhandkerchiefsuchashousemaidsusedforturbanswaslyingontheprettysilkcoverlet。