“I am grieved that I should have been forced to receive you so unceremoniously, gentlemen; one day I shall hope to greet you with the distinction such guests deserve. At present we meet almost as conspirators.”
“We are only too much honored, lady, by your consenting to meet us at all,” said Colonel St. Clair.
She looked keenly at him; the tone was honest and sincere.
“Your General, then, received my answer to his letter without delay?” she said.
“He did, madam, and dispatched us on the instant to arrange with you concerning a variety of matters which must be considered should your plans succeed. He regretted exceedingly that he could not make this visit in person, and thus secure himself the pleasure of an interview with one of whom report speaks such marvels, and yet falls so far short of the reality.”
“I should have been most happy to receive his visit” Mahaska replied; “it will be a pleasure in anticipation. I owe him many thanks for making his absence less felt by the choice he made of his embassadors.”
There was a little further exchange of compliments, and then they entered upon the business which brought them there. The two officers were refined, nobly-born men, accustomed to association with those of high birth, but never, even among royalty, had they met more polished grace and courtesy than this women exhibited, standing alone in the wilderness. Then the vigor and keenness of her intellect was felt in the propositions she laid down, and her woman’s vanity taught her when and how to wander from the theme, and give an opportunity to display glimpses of her wonderful information, and of the sparkling wit of which she was capable. They remained conversing for a long time; at last it was necessary that the conference should be broken up.
“Our General has ventured to send with us a few offerings as a token of his friendship and esteem,” said St. Clair, “which he begged me to present to you.”
Mahaska’s keen eyes had taken note of the three heavily loaded boats, and understood that the artful suggestions in her letter had been acted upon.
“Whatever they may be,” she said, “they will prove welcome, as a friendly recognition from your brave General.”