son to know how quick tempered he is."

"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I
returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is
usually cowardice back of such a disposition."

"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been
sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so
far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course."

"What is that?"

Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their
depths.

"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue."

"You request this?"

"Oh, you must not place the entire burden of decision on me, sir. I can
only suggest."

"Has Captain Grant any authority to dictate who shall be your partner?"

Her lashes lifted, and then fell before my gaze.

"He at least assumes the power, and generally with fair success. I must
ask to be excused from discussing this matter further now, but--but," her
voice trembled to a whisper, "I--I am sure your safety depends upon your
leaving me."

Astonished by these words, suddenly wondering if she suspected me,
scarcely comprehending what she meant, I stared into her face, as we
circled the room. Grant stood stiffly against the wall where we left him,
his eyes fastened moodily on the crowd; I realized his presence, yet my
whole thought was concentrated on the girl, the strands of her hair
brushing my lips, her steps lightly following the music, her eyes
downcast. Into the cheeks there came a flush of pink, and she glanced up
to read the surprise in my face.

"Do I need to say more?"

"Yes, you must," I insisted, "you can never believe I would leave you
because of personal fear."

"I did not know--at first. Now I realize it will require a higher motive
to influence you; not love of life, but love of country."

I felt the closer clasp of her fingers on my guiding hand, and knew I
took a deep breath of surprise.

"Lean your head just a little closer," she whispered. "I--I know you,
Major Lawrence, and--and I wish you well."

How I kept to the measure I cannot now imagine, for, in an instant, all
my house of cards crumbled into nothingness. She knew me, this blue-eyed
girl; knew me, and sought to aid my mission, this daughter of a loyalist,
this lady of the Blended Rose. It was inconceivable, and yet a fact--my
name had been whispered by her lips.

Suddenly she looked up laughing, as though to make others feel tha