eady the front of
the mob was upon her, unable to swerve aside because of the thousands
pushing behind. In another moment she would be underfoot, or hurled into
the air. Reckless of all else I dug in my spurs, yelling to the Light
Dragoon beside me, even as my horse leaped. I felt the crush of bodies,
hands gripped my legs; soldiers were hurled right and left, cursing as
they fell. I must have hurt some, but had no thought except to reach her
before it was too late. I was struck twice by missiles, yet burst
through, my horse, by this time, frenzied with fear. I scarcely know what
happened, or how it was accomplished--only I had the reins gripped in my
teeth, both my hands free. That instant I caught her; the next she was on
my arm, swung safely to the saddle, held to me with a grip of steel, the
animal dashing forward beneath his double burden into the open field.
Then the Dragoon, riding madly, gripped the bit, and the affair was over,
although we must have galloped a hundred yards before the trembling horse
was brought to a stand. Leaving him to the control of the soldier, I
sprang to the ground, bearing the lady with me. We were behind one of the
pavilions, facing the house, and she reeled as her feet touched the
earth, so that I held her from falling. Then her lashes lifted, and the
dark blue eyes looked into my face.

"You must pardon my roughness," I apologized, "but there was no time for
ceremony."

She smiled, a flood of color coming back into the clear cheeks, as she
drew slightly away.

"I appreciate that, sir," frankly, shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and
you have made knighthood real."

"Then," I ventured, "may I hope to receive the reward, fair lady?"

She laughed, a little tremor of nervousness in the sound, but her eyes
full of challenge.

"And what is that?"

"Your name; the hope of better acquaintance."

Her eyes swept my uniform questioningly.

"You are not of the garrison?"

"No; a courier just arrived from New York."

"Yet an officer; surely then you will be present to-night?"

"The privilege is mine; if sufficiently tempted I may attend."

"Tempted! How, sir?"

"By your pledging me a dance."

She laughed again, one hand grasping the long silken skirt.

"You ask much--my name, a better acquaintance, a dance--all this for
merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. Suppose
I refuse?"

"Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome."

"I tho