ove me; though my name
Should be shut from thee, as a spell still fraught
With desolation,--and a broken claim;
Though the grave closed between us, 'twere the same."
_Childe Harold._

The daylight had entirely disappeared, and the broad disc of the full
September moon was just appearing above the eastern horizon, when Bacon
and his followers resumed their march. Each of the captive ladies was
placed upon a horse, behind one of the officers, whose heavy riding
cloak was firmly girt to the horse's back, to provide a more comfortable
seat. Thus advancing, at a constant, but slow pace, to accommodate the
wearied soldiers, they pursued their onward course toward Jamestown. It
was Bacon's object to arrive before the town as early as possible in the
night, so as to secure the completion of their intrenchments and
breastworks before the morning, when he intended to commence the siege.
And now, as they are lighted on their way by the soft rays of the
autumnal moon, let us hear the conversation which was passing between
one of the cavaliers and his fair companion, as they rode slowly along
at some distance from the rest.

We may well suppose that Thomas Hansford, forced thus reluctantly to
engage in a policy from which his very soul revolted, would not commit
the charge of Virginia's person to another. She, at least, should learn,
that though so brutally impressed into the service of the rebel army,
there was an arm there to shield her from danger and protect her from
rudeness or abuse. She, at least, should learn that there was one heart
there, however despised and spurned by others, which beat in its every
throb for her safety and happiness.

Riding, as we have said, a little slower than the rest, so as to be a
little out of hearing, he said, in a low voice, tremulous with half
suppressed emotion, "Miss Temple cannot be ignorant of who her companion
is?"

"Your voice assures me," replied Virginia, "that my conjecture is right,
and that I am in the presence of one who was once an honoured friend.
But had your voice and form changed as entirely as your heart, I could
never have recognized in the rebel who scruples not to insult a
defenceless woman, the once gallant and chivalrous Hansford."

"And do you, can you believe that my heart has indeed so thoroughly
changed?"

"I would fain believe so, else I am forced to the conclusion that I
have, all my life, been d