ilk points. His long hose were of
cotton, and his shoes were fastened, not with the gay colored ribbons
before described, but with stout leather thongs, such as are still often
used in the dress of a country gentleman. His beaver was looped with a
plain black button, in front, displaying his fair hair, which was
brushed plainly back from his forehead. He, too, wore a sword by his
side, but it was fastened, not by handsome fringe and sash, but by a
plain belt around his waist. It seemed as though it were worn more for
use than ornament. We have been thus particular in describing the dress
of these two young men, because, as we have hinted, the contrast
indicated the difference in their characters--a difference which will,
however, more strikingly appear in the subsequent pages of this
narrative.

"Well, my boy," said old Temple, heartily, "I am glad to see you; you
have been a stranger among us lately, but are none the less welcome on
that account. Yet, faith, lad, there was no necessity for whetting our
appetite for your company by such a long absence."

"I have been detained on some business of importance," replied Hansford,
with some constraint in his manner. "I am glad, however, my dear sir,
that I have not forfeited my welcome by my delay, for no one, I assure
you, has had more cause to regret my absence than myself."

"Better late than never, my boy," said the Colonel. "Come, here is a new
acquaintance of ours, to whom I wish to introduce you. Mr. Alfred
Bernard, Mr. Hansford."

The young men saluted each other respectfully, and Hansford passed on to
"metal more attractive." Seated once more by the side of his faithful
Virginia, he forgot the presence of all else, and the two lovers were
soon deep in conversation, in a low voice.

"I hope your absence was not caused by your mother's increased
sickness," said Virginia.

"No, dearest, the old lady's health is far better than it has been for
some time. But I have many things to tell you which will surprise, if
they do not please you."

"Oh, you have no idea what a fright father gave me this evening," said
Virginia. "He told me that you had probably been engaged by the governor
to aid in suppressing this rebellion. I fancied that there were already
twenty bullets through your body, and made a little fool of myself
generally. But if I had known that you were staying away from me so long
without any good reason, I would not have been so silly, I assure you."

"