ded across the fields, and using due precautions in
approaching the dwelling, regained her residence undiscovered and in
safety.

CHAPTER XXII.

DUNWOODIE GAINS HIS SUIT, AND CAPTAIN WHARTON HIS
FREEDOM.

On joining Miss Peyton, Frances learnt that Dunwoodie was not
yet returned; although, with a view to relieve Henry from the
importunities of the supposed fanatic, he had desired a very
respectable divine of their own church to ride up from the river
and offer his services. This gentleman was already arrived.

To the eager inquiries of Miss Peyton, relative to her success in her
romantic excursion, Frances could say no more than that she was bound
to be silent, and to recommend the same precaution to the good maiden
also. There was a smile playing around the beautiful mouth of Frances,
while she uttered this injunction, which satisfied her aunt that all
was as it should be. She was urging her niece to take some refreshment
after her fatiguing expedition, when the noise of a horseman riding to
the door announced the return of the major. The heart of Frances
bounded as she listened to his approaching footsteps. She, however,
had not time to rally her thoughts before he entered.

The countenance of Peyton was flushed, and an air of vexation and
disappointment pervaded his manner.

"'Twas imprudent, Frances! nay, it was unkind," he cried, throwing
himself in a chair, "to fly at the very moment that I had assured him
of safety! There was no danger impending. He had the promise of
Harper, and it is a word never to be doubted. Oh! Frances! Frances!
had you known the man, you would never have distrusted his assurance,
nor would you have again reduced me to the distressing alternative."

"What alternative?" asked Frances, pitying his emotions deeply, but
eagerly seizing upon every circumstance to prolong the interview.

"What alternative! Am I not compelled to spend this night in the
saddle to recapture your brother, when I had thought to lay my head on
its pillow, with the happy consciousness of having contributed to his
release?"

She bent toward him, and timidly took one of his hands, while with the
other she gently removed the curls from his burning brow. "Why go at
all, dear Peyton?" she asked; "you have done much for your country,
and she cannot exact such a sacrifice as this at your hand."

"Frances! Miss Wharton!" exclaimed the youth, springing on his feet
and pacing the floor with a cheek that bur