e," he went on calmly, "and I realize, of
course, that I am censurable in speaking thus of my rival."

"You flatter yourself."

"How is that?"

"You are no rival of Major Lacy's."

"No? Well, then, as a friend."

"Of his?"

"Of yours."

"Nor are you a friend of mine."

"Well, then, as an enemy, a fool, anything! I want to tell you that
nothing but unhappiness awaits you if you encourage him. I know him, I
tell you. I know what sort of a man he is. Unstable as water, fickle,
dissipated--"

"I'll hear no more!" cried the girl, passionately, turning her head and
attempting to leave the room.

"Excuse me," said the man, coolly, preventing her by occupying the
doorway. "You shall hear me! And hear this first of all. I am not
saying anything about Major Lacy which is not a matter of public
knowledge and which I have not said to him directly, and which I would
not repeat in his presence."

"You tell me that--"

"You do not believe me?"

"No."

"I beg to assure you, Miss Glen, upon my word of honor--and it has not
been questioned heretofore--that I told him these very things not
longer than half an hour ago. And I informed him that I intended to
tell you."

"What did he say?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her
for the moment.

"He laughed. Said that the South had a present and pressing need for
such as I," he replied with sturdy honesty, "but that he would take
great pleasure in killing me when the war was over if we were both
spared."

"Well, sir, was not that a fine reply?"

"It was. It was a gentleman's answer. I admired him for it and told him
so. At the same time I told him that he must cease his attentions to
you."

"By what right did you dare--" cried the girl, almost choking with
sudden and indignant protest.

"No right. Unless my love for you, with a desire to serve you, greater
than everything save my devotion to that flag yonder, can excuse me."

"And that cannot. Unless love be returned, it entails no rights
whatsoever."

"And you do not love me?"

"Love you!" cried the girl, scornfully.

"I know you don't, but won't you?" he pleaded.

"I won't!"

"Won't you try?"

"No!"

"You do not dislike me?"

"I hate you!"

"Do you love Lacy?"

"I will not allow you to question me!"

"You must answer me!" said the man, taking her almost savagely by the
arm, and in spite of herself she thrilled at his touch.

"You hurt me," said the girl.

"Nonsense! You hurt m