y of his company; his swift promotion on hard-fought
fields to the head of the regiment, and the singular success that had
followed his resistless energy, which left him no time to think of
anything but his duty. The sudden intrusion of his wife upon his career
now, even in this accidental and perhaps innocent way, had seriously
unsettled him.

The shadows were growing heavier and deeper, it lacked only a few
moments of the sunset bugle, when he was recalled to himself by that
singular instinctive consciousness, common to humanity, of being
intently looked at. He turned quickly,--the door behind him closed
softly. He rose and slipped into the hall. The tall figure of a woman
was going down the passage. She was erect and graceful; but, as she
turned towards the door leading to the offices, he distinctly saw the
gaudily turbaned head and black silhouette of a negress. Nevertheless,
he halted a moment at the door of the next room.

"See who that woman is who has just passed, Mr. Martin. She doesn't seem
to belong to the house."

The young officer rose, put on his cap, and departed. In a few moments
he returned.

"Was she tall, sir, of a good figure, and very straight?"

"Yes."

"She is a servant of our neighbors, the Manlys, who occasionally visits
the servants here. A mulatto, I think."

Brant reflected. Many of the mulattoes and negresses were of good
figure, and the habit of carrying burdens on their heads gave them a
singularly erect carriage.

The lieutenant looked at his chief.

"Have you any orders to give concerning her, General?"

"No," said Brant, after a moment's pause, and turned away.

The officer smiled. It seemed a good story to tell at mess of this human
weakness of his handsome, reserved, and ascetic-looking leader.

A few mornings afterwards Brant was interrupted over his reports by the
almost abrupt entrance of the officer of the day. His face was flushed,
and it was evident that only the presence of his superior restrained his
excitement. He held a paper in his hand.

"A lady presents this order and pass from Washington, countersigned by
the division general."

"A lady?"

"Yes, sir, she is dressed as such. But she has not only declined the
most ordinary civilities and courtesies we have offered her, but she
has insulted Mr. Martin and myself grossly, and demands to be shown to
you--alone."

Brant took the paper. It was a special order from the President, passing
Miss Matilda Faulkn