The Grape-vine was shortly burdened with other rumors that were of far more import to Seymour, who was of a serious mind, and of an exacting, not to say, petulant, temper. These traits had been intensified by his recent subjection to the whims and caprices of a coquette of exceptional capacity, for his feelings were deeply involved. He was truly in love, and all his dearest interests hung on the uncertain telegraphy of the Grape-vine. It was an unhappy time for him, when he doubted in a rush of hope, and again believed sunk in the despondency of absolute despair, having almost as much foundation for the one as the other, the reports of her marriage to Lawrence Lloyd.
This time the Grape-vine had proved a reliable medium of information. Colonel Lloyd had sought and secured leave of absence long enough to ride fifty miles across country to greet her as soon as he had heard she was within the Confederacy. When her father joined the family party Colonel Lloyd laid siege for his consent to an immediate marriage.
They had long been engaged, he urged.
"I had almost forgotten that," Millie interpolated. She had promised her assistance in the persuasion of her father, and thus she fulfilled her pledge.
"There is no reason for further delay," Lloyd insisted.
"I have been a débutante these—four—years!" she suggested demurely.
Lloyd submitted that he hoped there were no objections to him in Colonel Fisher's estimation.
"Except such as are insuperable—you'll never be any better," suggested Millie.
It would be undesirable, even dangerous, Lloyd argued, to send her back to her home in Roanoke City with a flag of truce in the present state of conflict.
"But it is not at all dull there—" she interrupted vivaciously. "Some very nice Yankee officers are in society there—several old friends of yours, papa. Colonel Monette and Lieutenant-Colonel Blake of the regular army—old classmates of yours. And some others whom you don't know—Captain Baynell, who is very handsome, and Colonel Ashley—he belongs to the volunteers; he is most agreeable and highly thought of, and oh—of course Lieutenant Seymour—oh, it is not dull there!"